All quotes can be attributed to Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO
Federal Budget 2023 – impacts for the engineering profession
“The budget comes at a critical juncture for the nation. Australia faces a tricky geopolitical backdrop, tough economic conditions, a skills deficit and pressing climate change challenges. All are profound issues, and all intersect with the engineering profession.”
Engineering skills
“Over the past two years, engineering vacancies have increased by 80 per cent nationally.”
“It is pleasing to see the Government’s commitment to skills and increasing the number of women in male dominated industries. The defence, economic and climate challenges facing the nation and outlined will require an engineering workforce equipped with the complex skills to deliver outcomes. This includes for AUKUS, Australian manufacturing and shoring up sovereign capability, rewiring Australia, the national energy transition, net zero emissions targets and delivering on infrastructure projects.
“We welcome the budget focus on developing engineering skills locally through greater emphasis on Australia’s education system (primary, secondary and tertiary education).
“Reforming the migration program and easing migration pressures to increase the numbers of skilled migrant engineers arriving in Australia is also a positive step. Due to significant challenges in the supply of domestically trained engineers, Australia’s migration program will continue to be a significant contributor to Australia’s engineering capability making investment in reforming the program critical.”
Clean energy transition
“Engineers Australia supports the Budget initiative to legislate a national Net Zero Authority.”
“To remain viable, the energy system must primarily exist for the well-being of Australians and put people at the centre of decision-making processes. The Authority’s work will also help to maintain the social licence needed to achieve the energy transition.
“The clean energy sector is experiencing rapid growth and is projected to accelerate. With a shortage of engineers and growing demand, it will be important to retain existing engineers. Given the high skill base of the fossil fuel workforce, mapping their training needs will support an equitable transition and play a role in addressing skill shortages.”
Infrastructure
“Engineers Australia supports the Budget investment in infrastructure which includes a focus on ensuring projects of national value and significance can be delivered.”
“Government’s review of its multibillion-dollar Infrastructure Investment Program will also provide an opportunity to target investment to ensure best value for money is achieved. This is critical to helping ensure spending doesn’t further fuel current economic challenges.
“Australia’s construction sector is already at breaking point, rising materials costs and labour shortages has caused budgets to blow out and project slippage. We hope this Budget and review will give due consideration to changing consumer behaviour and economic priorities.”
