NSW introduces new practice standard for Professional Engineers

engineer, new south wales, NSW,

April 15, 2024

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NSW introduces new practice standards for professional engineers, setting out clear standards of work and behaviour by engineers under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020.

The New South Wales Government have introduced new practice standards for registered professional engineers in NSW. The practice standards set out clear standards of work and behaviour by engineers carrying out professional engineering work under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (DBP Act).

Compliance with the Practice Standard will become a mandatory condition of Professional Engineer registration from September 2024.

This includes:

• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Fire safety engineering
• Geotechnical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Structural engineering

Failure to comply with the Practice Standard from this time will attract enforcement action and penalties, including cancellation of registration.

Click here to read the Practice Standard for Professional Engineers.

How were the standards developed?

The publishing of the Practice Standard follows a targeted industry consultation and review process undertaken in the second half of 2023. Several components of the Practice Standard, particularly the fit-for-purpose requirement, were refined after the targeted consultation.

Engineers Australia remains committed to supporting the NSW Government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing building outcomes in NSW and furthering the standards of the engineering profession.

Engineers Australia has consistently provided advice to the NSW Government regarding the proposed Practice Standard. In particular, the member-backed submission highlighted concerns that the approach to registering professional engineers and setting standards overly focuses on building consulting work, failing to differentiate between individual engineers and the companies they work for.

How will the standards be implemented?

Building Commission NSW is the regulator of the building industry in NSW, and its compliance team will undertake education on the new Practice Standard prior to it becoming mandatory. From September 2024, this team will also be responsible for compliance, enforcement actions and penalties.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the requirements specified in the Practice Standard for Professional Engineers, please contact the Building Commission NSW at 13 32 20 or online here.

Source: © 2024 Engineers Australia

Source: State of New South Wales

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