National Committee of Engineering Associates

The Committee has developed a sound knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Associates due to involvement with Division Committees, the Engineering Team Task Force and National Congress. The positive outcomes from 2008 Year of the Engineering Team are very pleasing for the Committee.

I note that the national membership numbers of Associates have increased marginally from 5,411 in June 2008 to 5,428 in June 2009 following a 3.5% increase from 5,227 in June 2007. The Committee urges Associates to get involved with Engineers Australia activities such as visits to TAFE colleges, representation on committees, attending careers and engineering expos, attending Engineering Week functions and activities, and promoting Engineers Australia through EngQuest. These activities are very effective in recruiting new members and promoting the Engineering Team.

At our meeting in Sydney on 3-4 April, I was given the privilege of serving as Chair of the National Committee for a second term.

In a significant determination on 23 July, National Congress voted unanimously to endorse a review and rewrite of Engineers Australia’s Royal Charter and Bye-laws. This will modernise our governance documents to better reflect the structure and operations of our organisation. A key matter to be considered for inclusion in the revised Byelaws is the provision of equal voting rights for all three occupational categories of Professional Engineer, Engineering Technologist and Engineering Associate. As Chair of the National Committee, I was very pleased by the unanimous endorsement by Congress, and the strong support from Congress members, Engineers Australia staff and volunteers.

I had the pleasure of attending the Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management Conference in Perth during September 2008. The Conference Organising Committee included Bill Marmion MLA, an Engineers Australia top 100 engineer in 2008, and Francis Norman, the WA Division and National Engineering Officer of the Year for 2008. The conference was a huge success, and I congratulate all concerned for a world-class event. The next conference will be held in Brisbane next year.

The Committee has a membership of state representatives who are very proud of the Engineering Team, and are very passionate about representing the interests and welfare of Associates. The Committee appreciates the efforts of Engineers Australia volunteers and staff in supporting the Engineering Team.

WGCDR Ross Magno
Chair