Engineers Australia backs calls for Chief Engineer

Engineers Australia has lent its support to a proposal to appoint a Chief Engineer for Australia. John Forrest, the federal member for Mallee, has put forward a proposal to create the position to guide Australia’s infrastructure investment priorities.

“Mr Forrest pointed out that Australia has a Chief Scientist, a Chief Medical Officer, a Chief Nurse, a Chief Veterinary Officer, a Chief Consul-General, a Solicitor-General, a soon-to-be-appointed Chief Allied Health Officer, but no Chief Engineer,” said Rupert Grayston, Deputy Chief Executive of Engineers Australia.

“With billions of dollars spent on infrastructure every year, it is crucial that these projects are planned and delivered in a transparent manner that takes account of the national interest, not just the competing interests of the states, and not just during the election cycle.”

Grayston said infrastructure projects boost employment, increase productivity and lead to sustainable economic growth.

“Value for money is a fundamental part of any project assessment, and effective assessment relies heavily on the informed judgement of independent experts. Government must have assurance that it has access to the highest level of expertise, and taxpayers must have comfort that this expertise is independent and impartial,” Grayston said.

“With the proven track record of independent bodies like Infrastructure Australia, we believe that appointing a Chief Engineer would significantly add to government’s ability to effectively plan and deliver infrastructure in Australia.

“If we are to successfully transition from a resource-dependent economy to a high-tech, high-value economy, then effective infrastructure planning and investment is a simple necessity. Engineers Australia believes that the appointment of a Chief Engineer to guide our nation’s infrastructure investment would deliver huge benefits for our country, and Engineers Australia strongly supports Mr Forrest’s proposal.”