Consultation open for new Victoria engineer registration scheme

IChemE members encouraged to consider getting Chartered

THE state government of Victoria, Australia has opened a public consultation for a scheme that will require the registration of professional engineers who provide engineering services in the state. IChemE is encouraging members to start considering Chartered status in preparation for expected changes.

Victoria’s Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019 will come into effect in July next year. The Act requires professional engineers to register if they provide civil, electrical, fire safety, mechanical, and structural services in the state, whether from within Victoria or from outside it. This will only apply to those working without direct supervision and who do not operate in accordance with a prescriptive standard.

The Act foreshadows that registration may be needed for other areas of engineering. It is expected that chemical engineering will be considered once the Act is fully implemented and as part of a review of the scheme set to take place in 2024–2025.

According to the Victorian Government, despite the complexity and importance of the work engineers perform, and the pivotal role they have in ensuring public safety, most are not required to hold any formal government registration or licence.

The Government expects that the forthcoming registration scheme for engineers will ensure professional services are provided by engineers who have a minimum level of qualification, experience, and professional development, or are directly supervised by a professional registered engineer.