Many members have said to me they are concerned about having enough work in the pipeline in 3 months’ time. Read the advocacy below that I’m undertaking on your behalf.
I represent members and the architecture profession on the ACT Infrastructure Group with key government agencies as well as peak industry bodies such as the Property Council ACT, MBA, Engineers Australia and Consult Australia. We meet twice weekly. Fast-tracking projects, tendering, preference given to local firms, and economic stimulus measures are front and centre of discussions.
Education Tenders
We are pushing very hard to get greater weighting towards the use of local firms on education projects particularly in COVID 19 times. ACT Department of Education has flagged that there will be a big shift in the way the tender system operates including a proposal that master-planning is carried out before a tender is put out to the market.
New Panels
There is discussion that two new panels will come on board one for ACT Public housing and one for minor works, building, electrical, plumbing and landscaping. We’ll keep you posted.
Jobs for Canberrans program
The Jobs for Canberrans Fund will provide work opportunities for people in the casual or semi-skilled workforce who have lost their jobs or have been significantly impacted due to COVID-19. Jobs will be available for people who have relied on casual work and are not eligible for the Australian Government’s wage subsidy scheme or other support. The ACT Government will work with businesses, employee representatives and community services organisations to target those people most in need.
• If members have opportunities to employ people on a temporary or casual basis, please approach government directly. See https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/economic-support/jobs-for-canberrans
Stimulus program
• Follow https://www.act.gov.au/fasttrack as capital works projects are announced there.
• There is a team within government who are looking at list of projects that will create jobs, draw on local suppliers in the region, and fast track procurement.
Design Review Panel
• The Design Review Panel is running as usual. Rather than face-to-face meetings, it is being conducted via Teams meetings.
If you have any feedback please feel free to contact me or the ACT Chapter at act@architecture.com.au
Shannon Battisson
ACT Chapter President
