June 24th, 2025Review on engineers

The state government is seeking feedback on a review of the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019 to ensure Victorians can benefit from stronger protections, better safety and standards of work.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Nick Staikos said the review will benefit all Victorians by promoting best practice in professional engineering services, and ensuring these services are provided by suitably qualified and experienced engineers.

The Act sets standards in the provision of professional engineering services and provides consumer protections by requiring professional engineers to meet qualification, experience, probity and continuing professional development requirements.

Under Victorian laws, a professional engineering service involves using engineering knowledge to design, build, operate, or maintain something in areas like fire safety, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering.

While many engineering services are professional, not all are. Professional engineering services are a subset of engineering work that require a particularly high level of judgement, knowledge, and skill.

The registration scheme commenced in 2021 as part of broader industry reforms and requires anyone engaging in professional engineering work to be registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria.

The scheme ensures that only qualified and experienced engineers can provide services and requires them to undertake continuing professional development to maintain their registration. This year’s Budget delivered $6.2 million over four years to continue the scheme and maintain the public register of professional engineers.

Consultation will help to ensure that any future changes to the Act represent the interests of those working in the industry, and those engaging the services of professional engineers in Victoria.

The consultation process is open for feedback for six weeks. To have your say, visit Engage Victoria. The final report will be tabled in Parliament in due course.