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State & Terriroty Updates
State & Territory Updates
With varying market conditions around the country Consult Australia’s state and territory managers share their insights on key challenges and opportunities for our member firms.
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NSW
Kristy Eulenstein
POLICY
The Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 (NSW)
The Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019 (NSW) recently passed through Parliament and work to develop the regulations that sit with the Act has commenced. Consult Australia will be attending each of the round-table meetings on scoping the regulations to ensure that our voice is heard as well as attending one-on-one meetings with government.
Transport for NSW Contracts
TfNSW have indicated that they are working on a new form of contract for consultant use. They have highlighted that they do recognise some of the issues that industry is having and are sympathetic to matters that have been raised by Consult Australia members. To ensure that we are kept informed of their progress they have committed to updating Consult Australia on a fortnightly basis and any new information will be provided to members.
Complimentary Online SME Summit
To assist our SME members into the future we have recently launched our Inaugural SME Summit. The Summit will be held on Wednesday 21 October from 10am – 2pm. This is an online event that we have opened up to all Consult Australia SME members free of charge. The program has been designed by our SME members for the benefit of our SME members. Topics include:
• Working in remote offices • Recruiting and training staff • Business survival strategies • Tips & Tricks to assist with PI Insurance • Mental Health Awareness • Economic Stimulus Packages for SME Businesses • Building Confidence Reforms • Driving Better Local Government Contracting
Register here
Platinum Sponsor: Gold Sponsors: FutureNet Business Leader Program
Despite being unable to meet face to face for almost all the program the FutureNet Business Leader program forged ahead in 2020. All topics were modified to be delivered online with rich content being key to the success. Twenty young industry professionals commenced and finished the program, the final session being held on Thursday 3 September. As with previous years participants of the program were divide into groups to work on the same project. This year the project was the re-development of the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens that were substantially damaged during the summer bushfires. The next stage of the project was the judging and award ceremony. Participants had the opportunity to come together faceto-face during the streaming of their presentations to industry on the evening of 1 October 2020. Congratulations to our winners and all the teams involved in the 2020 FNBL program.
NSW Online Boardroom Discussions
Over the past six months the NSW online Boardroom Discussions have been a great success. Hosting key speakers including, Claire Gardiner-Barnes from INSW, Anthony Manning CEO Schools Infrastructure, Rebecca Wark CEO Health Instructure, Romilly Madew CEO Infrastructure Australia, Cathal O’Rourke, MD Australia Hub, Laing O’Rourke, and others has been a pleasure and provided good benefit to those who have registered. By continuing to visit the NSW event webpage you can keep informed on upcoming speakers who may be of interest and register.
VIC
James Robertson
The Victorian Committee Chair and State Manager met with Corey Hannett, DirectorGeneral Melbourne Transport Infrastructure Authority (MTIA). This was to discuss the current state of the sector, the value of consultants to the construction industry, and the mutual acknowledgment there is a need across the industry for fairer procurement models. In late August, Mr Hannett presented at a Consult Australia online event, where he spoke further about these topics. He also provided an update on MTIA’s COVID-19 safety plans, which include regular temperature testing and physical distancing as well as a 100-day testing blitz, a significant reduction in their on-site workforce, and conducting more than 3,000 onsite compliance inspection. A consultation panel was established by MTIA to identify and respond to COVID-19 challenges, and industry meetings and forums have been a valuable way of receiving feedback to shape MTIA’s response.
Major Roads Projects Victoria (MRPV) has adopted a new program delivery approach for the Suburban Roads Upgrade project. Their key objectives are to support a sustainable market, improve efficiency of project procurement, and better align objectives through a more collaborative approach. Program Delivery Director, Steve Cornish, recently spoke at a Consult Australia online event, to further explain this new approach and the potential benefits for the project outcomes as well as contractors and consultants alike. A recent request from MRPV for consultants to provide feedback on a draft Design Subcontract Key Commercial Principles document has raised some concerns for Consult Australia. A meeting with the MRPV team will address these issues and an update will be provided in a future Consulting Matters publication.
Regional Roads Victoria CEO, Paul Northey, spoke at an online event in mid-August. Paul provided attendees with an insight into the program of works at Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) and he welcomed feedback on ways in which his team could better engage with consultants.
In response to member concerns, we are advocating for changes to the Victorian Construction Supplier Register (CSR) and the underlying requirements in the Building Act 1993 (Vic). We know that some businesses are struggling to comply with the requirement that the company board of directors represents all registration classes. In writing to the Victorian Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer and Minister for Planning we have stressed that the state’s stimulus projects will be at risk without changes to the CSR. Members who work as sub-consultants on Victorian government projects should also note that the Department of Treasury and Finance has confirmed that sub-consultants are not expected to be included on the CSR. The purpose of the CSR is to pre-qualify the lead practitioners as suppliers to the Victorian Government for public construction. If your business is being required by a government client to be on the CSR where either you are a sub-consultant or for disciplines not linked to public construction please let us know. Members who work as subconsultants on Victorian government projects should also note that the Department of Treasury and Finance has confirmed that sub-consultants are not expected to be included on the CSR. The purpose of the CSR is to pre-qualify the lead practitioners as suppliers to the Victorian Government for public construction. If your business is being required by a government client to be on the CSR where either you are a subconsultant or for disciplines not linked to public construction please let us know.
Consult Australia and the Victorian and Tasmanian Committees would like to give best wishes to Kathy Uhlik who leaves Consult Australia to join Pitt and Sherry. Kathy has made a great contribution to Consult Australia during her time with us and we wish has every success for her new role.
For any division queries, email vic@consultaustralia.com.au
Please see the website for more details and to register for upcoming events, here.
Gold Sponsor:
SA, NT & TAS
Jan Irvine
The past few months have seen us focussed on keeping members up to date in the ever-changing business environment in which we now work and engaging with government to understand measures being taken, and those planned, to support and strengthen our industry and economy.
At our August Boardroom Discussion with The Hon Steven Marshall MP, Premier of South Australia members were briefed on the SA Government’s views regarding plans to
inject stimulus funding into the forward design and advisory consulting services for those projects in the existing pipeline, and the medium to long term government strategies to re-vitalize the economy, particularly in the built-environment, post COVID-19.
Manager SA Jan Irvine was invited to sit on the SA Government COVID-19 Recovery Construction Sector Sub Committee. This committee is tasked with providing effective strategic direction and industry insight to drive a collaborative and coordinated approach to enable the construction sector to support the recovery in South Australia post COVID-19.
In recent discussions of this group we have advocated for:
• Stimulus now
Investing in future and forward planning around funding for business cases, front end planning and design work, and other advisory services
Investment in Digital Engineering
To be included in stimulus finding (for Department for Infrastructure and Transport & other agencies) to attain better value for money
NT
Consult Australia recently held a Boardroom Discussion with The Hon Nicole Manison MLA, NT Deputy Chief Minister and Treasurer. The discussion covered the economic environment and long-term sustainability of members businesses and the sustained employment of Territorians involved in the planning and design of the Northern Territory’s built form, infrastructure, and natural environment. Members shared their concerns regarding the economic impact of COVID-19 and how the Territory can respond to emerge from the crisis as strongly and competitively as possible. We shared our NT Election 2020 Policy Platform and Ms Manison acknowledged the Government’s reliance on the local consulting industry to deliver the pipeline of projects and outlined measures the NT Government has taken and will continue to take to support our industry. This document was also sent to the Chief Minister, The Hon Michael Gunner MLA and key NT Ministers and stakeholders. The Chief Minister’s response to our recommendations can be viewed on the member accessed NT Advocacy page of our website here. on projects, asset management, and upskilling of our sector. We also reiterated the high level of skills and knowledge within our membership that can be of assistance and able to advise on ways forward.
Consult Australia has shared our COVID-19 Pulse Survey report and supplied job multiplier data for business cases to the sub-committee Chair for inclusion in reporting to Cabinet.
Continuing our advocacy work in the procurement space, we recently met with Simon Morony, Executive Director, Across Government Services and Ben Hogarth, Director Building Projects to discuss procurement models for buildings projects - specifically engagement of consultants - and terms and conditions of standard contracts. Following the discussion, we supplied a formal response regarding procurement methods and details of clauses of concern in current contracts. We are currently awaiting their response to inform our next steps as we continue our work in this space.
Some of our events are moving back to face to face offerings and, as always, details of all our events can be found on our website. Please also feel free to contact sa@consultaustralia.com.au for any further information.
Gold Sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
The NT Department of Trade, Business and Innovation has created a taskforce ‘Team Rebound’ to manage the Territory’s economic recovery, rebuild and rebound from COVID-19. In response to a call for feedback, we made a submission to the taskforce. We highlighted results from our recent Industry Health Check Pulse Survey indicating the impact of COVID-19 on our members and the outlook for the next six months. We attached our policy briefing outlining the role that the built environment industry can play in supporting the economic recovery efforts across the country. The need for improved procurement practices was also mentioned as a way to drive greater productivity.
As we continue to advocate on behalf of our members, we will keep you informed and provide avenues to be a part of the discussion. If you would like to join the emailing list to receive this or any other NT information, please contact jan@consultaustralia.com.au.
Gold Sponsors:
ACT
Jan Irvine (Acting)
The ACT Infrastructure Sector group has now been rolled into the Planning and Construction Industry Chief Executive Reference Group (PACICERG). These meetings are held fortnightly and attended by Michael Hill, ACT Chair and Jan Irvine, Acting ACT Manager. Several members of the Infrastructure Group such as the Chief Projects Officer, Major Projects Canberra, Duncan Edghill have now become members of PACICERG. PACICERG covers all issues previously addressed by the Infrastructure Group such as the current business environment - concentrating primarily on industry updates and perspectives, health of local industry updates, and Director Generals providing government commentary and updates. Consult Australia continues to advocate for a strong and clear pipeline of work to be announced by the ACT Government and has also raised the consulting industry’s ability to support the government with client-side project management. We will keep members updated on progress via the ACT Update EDM.
The Labour Hire Licensing Act 2020 was passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly in May. Consult Australia wrote to the office of Suzanne Orr MLA, Minister for Government Services and Procurement to outline some concerns with the Bill, including some unintended consequences flowing from the broad drafting, and some recommendations to clarify and rectify the issues. The legislation establishing the new Labour Hire Licensing Scheme has not yet commenced. The ACT Government is currently underway in the implementation phase, including considering the suite of supporting instruments required to meet the purpose of the scheme, such as Regulations. In developing these, the Government has undertaken to consult with Consult Australia and other stakeholders on matters including exemptions. We will update members as consultation occurs.
As the ACT Government explores the framework for the registration of engineers in the ACT, we wrote a letter to the ACT Chief Engineer to advocate strongly for mutual recognition and mutual registration. We stressed the importance of a nationally consistent approach to reduce the burden on businesses that operate across state and territory borders. We also directed the Chief Engineer to the work of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) through its BCR Framework Implementation Team on a national approach. We had a positive response to the letter and discussions are continuing.
With the ACT Election due in October, our ACT Election 2020 Policy Platform for political parties as they prepare their election campaigns has been published. Our recommendations cover all four areas of People, Pipeline, Practice and Procurement. This document will be sent to key ACT government and shadow stakeholders.
Upcoming Events
FutureNet ACT, Future State of the Territory with Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA and ESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan – Date TBC
For details and to book for upcoming events please see our website.
Gold Sponsors:
QLD
David Shillington
In August we saw the launch of the joint initiative between Consult Australia and the QLD Major Contractors Association’s. The ‘Building Bridges’ project is a valuesdriven partnership aimed at addressing the cultural issues within our industry and looks for solutions to make it work better. Accountability, relationships, developing people, and recognition are focus points of the initiative with the first joint event to be held in late October.
Over the last few months we have maintained a strong voice for our members liaising with both the Department of Transport and Main Roads as well as the Department of Housing and Public Works. We have met with Neil Scales and Amanda Yeates discussing how TMR and Consult Australia’s small and medium sized member firms can work better together. We met with LGAQ’s CEO Greg Hallam to discuss how our smaller member firms can work closely with councils during Covid-19 recovery.
Damian Gould, Building QLD’s CEO, joined the Consult Australia QLD committee to discuss how member firms can work closely with Building QLD to maintain a consistent and transparent pipeline of work. Consult Australia firms provide services to support Building QLD in developing robust business cases. We continue to support strong decision making in sustainable infrastructure investments that provide positive social impact.
Throughout August we held events on ‘marketing essentials’ with Maria Rampa and discussed ‘leadership principles’ with the NRL’s Wayne Pearce. In September we had a ‘legal essentials’ online event with Jonathon Hadley from Gadens law firm and a free RUOK? Day themed event with Agatha McAndrew discussing her personal well-being transformation journey and picking up some great tips to ensure we have better balance in our lives for optimum health. In October we’ll be uploading a number of events to the Consult Australia Queensland webpage, keep an eye out for an online event discussing the latest in building tech, an online discussion with Cross River Rail CEO Graeme Newton, and also learn how to present you and your business successfully on social media.
Gold Sponsors:
WA
Diane Dowdell
A number of key activities and meetings have occurred in Western Australia over the past quarter. While the focus continues to be around the Covid-19 recovery activities, the government agencies are focussed on delivering a range of opportunities to market. Continued engagement with key government agencies and individuals has continued despite the challenges. Consult Australia attended and made contributions to several different ministerial roundtables that were established to guide the WA Government response to Covid-19. Feedback provided by Consult Australia included:
• ensuring that recovery activities focused on ways to increase the range and number of consulting resources participating in transport infrastructure works, and
• sharing information to secure and maintain the longer-term viability of the industry post the initial wave of investment from the stimulus measures.
Department of Finance (DoF) – BMW
We engaged with Deputy DG and Director of Building Management and Works area in DoF on the importance of transparency and visibility of the pipeline of future activities to be conducted. DoF is currently working through a restructure that will bring the activities of the department in line with the new Procurement Act 2020 that has received royal assent in June 2020. We continue to advocate for the development of an industry working group with DoF building and works to provide a forum for visibility of the pipeline and effective procurement contracting arrangements.
Infrastructure WA
A considerable amount of advocacy work has been conducted during the quarter with Infrastructure WA (IWA). Early in the quarter we engaged with Deputy CEO Lance Glare on the development of the discussion paper to support the development of the 20 year infrastructure strategy. Consult Australia also attended an industry breakfast hosted by IWA Chair, John Langoulant AO when the document was released. We followed this activity up with a member breakfast in July where Lance Glare and IWA Board Member Kerryl Bradshaw and Director of Planning and Strategy Lauren Aitken made a presentation to members on the discussion paper and the process to be followed to develop the 20 year infrastructure strategy. Consult Australia has been invited to participate in the external stakeholder reference group with IWA as they move through the process of developing the first 20 year infrastructure strategy for WA. Further information on the Consult Australia submission and stakeholder reference group can be found on the member’s only section of the WA advocacy page.
While events were impacted in the previous quarter, we have been fortunate to move back into face to face events in Western Australia during July. Along with the member only breakfast with IWA, a WA FutureNet event was also held in August, with a number of member and non-member young professionals and sponsors attending a sundowner at the Melbourne Hotel on Alliance and Public Private Partnership contracting models. The WA members have also been able to take advantage of several national webinar events that have been held over the past few months. Finally, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) released its consultation paper on the registration of engineers. We will be working over the coming quarter with member companies on the implications of the release of this document to raise any concerns of member companies. If you would like to be involved, please email wa@consultaustralia.com.au or stay informed via the advocacy page.
