Category: ACT enews

From the ACT Chapter President – July 2015

Future of Government Contracts, Building Quality, Liveable Apartment design, Release of the Draft ACT Building Act.

“In Victoria, NSW and Queensland, governments not continuing contracts signed by their predecessors, hopefully, has not become a formula for governments leadership of infrastructure, building design and procurement.

In the ACT, the future of contracts over a substantial light-rail project are at issue.

The consequences of politicisation of many long-term projects is well documented:

it costs the taxpayer when contracts are cancelled;
it damages industry confidence at a time when it is needed most;
it raises risk issues; and,
it debilitates long-term strategic planning, the design and procurement process.

The key to retaining long-term focus is strategy. Strategies are defined in government policy. A constant reinforcement of progress towards a vision and the development of clear objectives broken down to three to four-year milestones to overcome political cycles are necessary tactics to achieve building projects.”^{^[1]}

If Canberra is to be competitive, creative and not to be held back by short-term decisions, if design of the built environment “is to be depoliticised, a broader understanding of the relationship between initial capital investment cost and the long term economic benefit is essential,”^{^[2]} equitable engagement contracts and, a strategic approach to design and construction procurement are required.

Measures to improve apartment design quality has been in discussion and action over the last 5 years. They include:

amendment to the ACT Building Act, in an attempt to improve quality by legislated penalty of building industry participants; or,
the adoption of informed government policies and guidelines, available at the projects outset, that illustrate to development proponents and the community high quality design outcomes.

The Institute is preparing a ‘Liveable Apartment Design Policy’ to advocate for a policy and guideline to improve apartment design quality. The policy and guideline will be informed by metric evidence of beneficial outcomes: cost – in construction; in energy use; in resale value; in user satisfaction; in design and built outcome quality.

The NSW Government has implemented their Department of Planning’s review of SEPP 65. In the new SEPP all the key positive elements have been retained and modifications are in the main, in line with the Institute’s recommendations. The key change is that the Residential Flat Design Code will now be a guideline, rather than a set of instructions. Some approval authorities were using the code metrics like a checklist, whereas they were only ever intended as quantified illustrations of the SEPP’s design principles.

To the amendment to the ACT Building Act, Chapter Council and the Practice Committee will welcome members comment. We understand its released is imminent.

^{^[1]} Consult Australia. Keith, Kevin. Published on Linked In, July 2015

^{^[2]} Op cit

A new Canberra revealed in 2015 ACT Architecture Awards

Forty eight entries in the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2015 ACT Architecture Awards reveal a new Canberra emerging, says prominent Australian architect and Jury Chair, Hal Guida.

‘This year confirms Canberra as a growing and dynamic place with initiatives such as the Light rail, the new Canberra International Airport terminal, and coming developments along Constitution Avenue,’ declared Guida.

‘We see a dynamic global city with serious depth in what it offers. We know the best cities compete for talent. Talent looks for a mix of great city infrastructure, a real choice of housing and a thriving public life. Well, here it is,’ says Guida.

Guida points out the entries have a combined construction value of more than a billion dollars, completed within the last 3-4 years; evidence of a vibrant construction industry representing around 5.4 per cent of GDP in Canberra in 2013/2014 (reference ACIF – Australian Construction Industry Forum)

Entries range in scale from small projects such as shading devices and home additions, to new terrace housing, apartment buildings, a new urban centre and a new swimming pool for the Chinese Embassy completed to coincide with the visit by Chinese President, Xi Jinxing in 2014.

‘Every city has its own design culture, so not surprisingly, we see a new Canberra reflected in its new buildings, spaces and places’, says Guida.

So what Canberra do we see?

‘Canberra’s always been defined by its landscape, lifestyle and climate. But in many of these projects we see a new opening to the street and a more confident sense of “civic”; embracing a new transparency with our streets and open spaces.’

Guida points to just a few projects as examples;

A new freestanding house in Crace that radically reinvents the suburban block for a client that wanted to live in the front yard to get the most from the sun and northerly view to parkland.

A row of terrace houses in O’Connor for a group of friends that chose to pool resources and expertise to design, build and finance their own apartment development with a shared north facing garden.
The NewActon development, including public open space, and the newly refurbished Pavilion that almost burnt down in 2011 that incorporates public art and landscape as a magnet for the visiting hotel market.

A single house designed for three families on a standard sized Canberra block – each with their own entry, terraces and privacy.

But Guida shares that the annual awards have a serious side, too.

‘Sure, these award entries always show Canberra’s best side,’ Guida admits, ‘they also reveal how far we have to go. Almost every project here has had to spend precious budget on space for our cars. In one case, this meant expensive underground parking that few of the residents wanted to purchase because they were 100m from bus stops or an easy bike ride to the city.’

ACT Chapter President, Andrew Wilson agrees; ‘The ACT Government is making a solid investment in better transport choice, and a suite of bold policies are needed. The new Active Transport Office is a real policy reform as well as a tool to identify new projects that provide transport choice. No city has yet succeeded in bringing transport and land use planning together in a meaningful way. Architects, their clients and contractors are the ones who make this planning real so we look forward to making this reform agenda a reality too.’

Judging is underway with the winners revealed on 20 June 2015 at QT Canberra.

In the lead up to this announcement, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote on their favourite projects of 2015 in the Australian Institute of Architects annual People’s Choice Award for the residential projects. Voting closes 15 June – wp.architecture.com.au/news-media/act-peoples-choice-award

ACT Chapter President

The Changing Role of ‘Risk’ in Architecture – 2015 National Architecture Conference inspired change to a sell-out audience.

International speaker from this year’s conference, Amanda Levete (UK) emphasised that Architects are risk takers as the doers of things, in a regulated, penalty infused economy. Our markets want the outcome of taking risks but, with guarantees and warrantees to protect against any chance of failure. Architects are capable of functional and technical inventiveness by drawing together knowledge from ordinary and extraordinary sources.

For architects to make architecture, a patron who accepts that managed risks in a project are noble, necessary is much needed. A patron who briefs for the needs of people in spaces configured for life … comfort to work, to rest and to recreate … with a good fit for the task, warm in winter, cool in summer, in touch with flora and fauna.

Another speaker, Jeremy Till (also from the UK) referred to Manfredo Tafuri’s description of architects “as gymnasts in the prison yard” while outlining possible responses to risk; pragmatic acceptance; sustained optimism; cynical pessimism or, radical engagement as Jeremy Mcleod demonstrated in ‘The Commons’ Nightingale development in Brunswick, Victoria by taking equity in new forms of building delivery.

In the re-development of Canberra the case to be made is that by its outstanding design, increased social and monetary profit is received because of the developments liveability, sustainability and desirability rather than simply on how high, how much area, how much money is returned to the budget.

Canberra’s co-designer has been honoured in her native Chicago.

On 9 May 2015, Marion Mahony Griffin, co-designer of Canberra with her husband Walter Burley Griffin in 1912, was honoured by the naming of a park in the suburb where she lived for the last stage of her life. The Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society in northern lakeside Chicago gave enthusiastic support for the naming of Marion Mahony Griffin Beach and Park, writing:

“(This) will keep before beachgoers the model of a vastly talented woman who not only broke down barriers by entering a field still today dominated by men but became one of the foremost innovators of the twentieth century. Furthermore, she will be celebrated as an artist in a neighbourhood that has become a home to many contemporary artists.”

Photo: Christopher Vernon (UWA)

More details:

http://rpwrhs.org/2014/12/28/renaming-jarvis-beach-and-park-to-marion-mahony-griffin-beach-and-park/

http://www.griffinsociety.org/home1.html

For too long, women practitioners have lacked a visible presence in our profession (if we need reminding, just take a look at Wikipedia’s list of notable architects), despite their significant and worthy contribution to architecture.

The reasons for this are many, but the actions of Parlour Inc., the National Committee for Gender Equity of the Institute, and the work of many passionate and committed individuals, this is changing. By bringing visibility to our women practitioners and formally acknowledging their accomplishments, we are supporting women’s engagement with the profession. This is good for the profession, but even better for our built environment.

Northbourne housing development should respect site’s cultural and heritage significance

The Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter encourages the ACT Government to incorporate the Heritage Council’s recommendations regarding the preservation of a proportion of the Northbourne public housing precinct.

‘The Institute supports the ACT Government’s commitment to improving the quality of building design in the Territory and the urban densification of the city including the redevelopment of the Northbourne precinct. However we believe that consideration of the heritage attributes of the original housing scheme should form part of any proposed design,’ ACT Chapter President Andrew Wilson said.

‘Heritage architecture contributes a rich layer to the fabric of the city. It is important to support the processes and decisions of the Heritage Council. In the approach to development of this site our governance, planning and design processes should give confidence that they are able to respond in a positive and nuanced way to the complexities of inner city redevelopment and are not compromised by reliance on land development to fund infrastructure.

‘Despite the current state of some of the buildings within the precinct, there is architectural merit in the Post-war International Style of the original Sydney Ancher Northbourne housing scheme.

‘Repurposing our existing building stock where appropriate also assists in reducing our impact on the environment.

‘The Institute supports the Government’s decision to develop the Northbourne precinct. It is vital for the city’s growth that we increase densification within the current city limits as opposed to the sale of green field sites. We are confident a high quality design which is sympathetic to the site’s heritage can be found for this important development,’ Mr Wilson said.

Budding designers envisage Light Rail solution for Canberra

Budding designers have created their own solutions for a future light rail station in Canberra as part of the Young Designers Light Rail Ideas Competition held at the University of Canberra this week.

Organised by the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter in collaboration with ACT Government‘s Capital Metro Agency, and led by competition director, Janet Thomson, the two-day event brought together more than 100 students from 14 schools across Canberra.

Working collaboratively with architecture students and graduates, the high school students conceptualised a range of designs inspired by the city’s natural and built environment and rich cultural history.

Students came to the two day competition with an eagerness to explore and evolve a variety of ideas and proposals. For some it was the landscape setting and trees, while others were focused on ecological principles, materials and adaptable designs. Accessibility and safety were also common themes among the entries in addition to social responsiveness and providing facilities that would engage with the community.

The teams of three to five students were assessed by the jury for best station or light rail stop design, best connection to neighbourhood/community facilities and most innovative idea, with the jury awarding a first and second prize for each category.

The winning proposals were strong in their resolution of creative ideas. Each project had a distinctive connection to place and provided architecturally vibrant, sustainable, and community focused environments for light rail travellers.

‘Education is the most powerful means which you can use to change the built environment. Competitions like this are an excellent opportunity to increase the understanding of architecture and the endeavours of architects among our future leaders,’ ACT Chapter President Andrew Wilson said.

‘As the current and future users of our public transport system, the contribution of younger Canberrans in generating ideas and aspirations is invaluable and provides them with a strong sense of ownership and identity for their city.’

Visit haveyoursay.capitalmetro.act.gov.au/light-rail to view the winning designs and vote in the People’s Choice Awards.

Best station or light rail stop design

First Prize: “Barking up the Right Tree” by Lyneham High School – Crayons
‘This project is a bold insertion into Garema Place where bark has been used to inspire the design of the shelter. The design is an inviting space for a diverse demographic.’ – Jury citation

Second Prize: “Get in Touch” by St John Paul II Catholic College – Get in Touch
‘Utilising tree branches as inspiration, Get in Touch focuses on the natural environment and uses the shape of a leaf to shelter the rail stop.’ – Jury Citation

Best connection to neighbourhood/community facilities

First Prize: “Bringing the Outdoors in” by Telopea Park School – teleo2600
‘This project creates symbols or icons to represent various stations that are meaningful to places in Canberra. Environmental sustainability embodies the design and connects people to nature.’ – Jury citation

Second Prize: “It’s About Time” by Lyneham High – Leaps + Bounds
‘It’s About Time draws on Canberra’s cultural history using various poignant events to inspire a social timeline, inspiring different themes for each station.’ – Jury citation

Most innovative design

First Prize: “It’s About Time” by Lyneham High – Leaps + Bounds
‘Winner of two prizes, this project is powerful in its use of Canberra’s history to inspire the design.’ – Jury citation

Second Prize: “HexaPlex” by Daramalan / Merici College – Team Metro
‘An environmentally responsive design, this project is a collection of hexagonal pods that forms a canopy inspired by Walter Burley Griffin.’ – Jury citation

From the Chapter President

The Institute members and staff welcome Melanie Croaker as ACT Chapter Manager. Melanie is well known and supported. Her passion for architecture, knowledge and strategic planning skills will promote architecture through events, support member services, continuing professional development and representation in government and industry forums.

The return of the National office to 2a Mugga Way and colocation with the ACT Chapter will enable us to undertake ‘high hitting’ achievements with efficiencies. The incoming Chapter Council looks forward to the Institute being a collegiate ‘go to place’, openly communicating with members and institutions with participation from students, graduates, registered architects from all stages and experiences of their professional careers.

The ‘2010 Building Quality in the ACT’ report to the ACT Governments and the subsequent review of the ACT Building Act 2004 is a response to the costs to the community of buildings and building services that arise when basic standards and protections are not achieved. The scope of the review includes all aspects of building regulation, including:

Pre-construction: Design compliance, contracts, obligations of developers, approvals, exemptions, practitioner licensing;

Construction process: Compliance with plans, stage inspections, on-site supervision, amendments;

Post construction: Final inspections, certificates of occupancy; and,

In general: The scope of the Act, administration and enforcement (public and private), insurance, skills, training, accountability of practitioners, owners rights and obligations, consumer protection, complaints and dispute resolution, funding and governance, interactions with related legislation, offences and penalties! For more information, refer to the: Overview of the Review of the ACT Building Act 2004.

When approved by the Minister for Planning a discussion paper based on the findings of the review will be released in early 2015 (anticipated to be April).

The review of the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 will be released in late 2015 (anticipated to be December).

Members are encouraged to contribute to the professions response to this review by providing comment in writing to the Chapter office, committees and Council.

The implications of these reviews are significant, for the professions future terms of engagement, scope of service, time commitment, fee/remuneration, responsibilities, liabilities and insurability.

To realise a rich and diverse built environment that the community wants, celebrates and comfortably occupies and loves, a clear brief and fulsome engagement is required by the client, architect and constructor.

From the ACT Chapter President

2015 is well underway, and the ACT Chapter will continue to be actively participating and acting on issues, policies and implementation strategies that improve the quality and sustainability of our built environment. On the agenda in the short term we will be focusing on the following:

proposed changes to the Building Act, related legislation and regulations and a ‘Building and Construction Industry business meeting’ to be held on the 12 February;
new Planning Policies and Planning Regulation with a ‘Planning and Development Forum’ on 24 February;
sustainability initiatives and the quarterly ‘Climate Change Adaptation Workshop’ to be held on dates yet to be advised;
industry conditions, activity and the Director-General of the Environment and Planning Directorate, Chief Executives quarterly Reference Group; and,
with Consult Australia, we have commenced a review and comment on the ACT Government Procurement and Capital Works Draft Building Construction Project Functional Design Brief.

Gender Equity – new policy – proactive change is necessary to achieve gender equity in the profession and the building industry. The Institute has recently adopted a Gender Equity Policy. Its aims have been reinforced by the establishment of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE), chaired by WA based Emma Williamson. See more here.

ACUMEN – get involved – The Institutes Acumen Content Review Panel is convened to update and maintain the relevance of the professional Advisory Notes. These are a fundamental body of knowledge that distinguishes architects knowledge from all others. The Acumen website has templates for the submission of suggestions or ideas regarding its content. These are able to be submitted by anyone: subscribers, members, committees and others. Currently, there is a request for suggestions about content gaps or refinements on the Acumen home page, together with a link to a template for providing input on content. I encourage the Chapter Council, Chapter Committees and members to contribute through this mechanism to keep this valuable resource relevant and up to date for the profession.

Members participation in all areas of advocacy is necessary to ensure accurate and effective representation. I encourage all members to make input into the above, or any other ‘issue’, throughout the year.

With your help, I look forward to great outcomes this year!

From the ACT Chapter

ACT Chapter Council Elections

We would like to thank everyone who took time out to vote in the recent elections.

Congratulations to incoming Chapter Councillors – Bronwen Jones, Sander de Vries, Reiné Williams, Will Gardner and re-elected Councillors Janet Thomson and Alastair MacCallum. Our congratulations also go to Annette Pogas and Reiné Williams for their appointment as EmAGN co-representatives and Nathan Pauletto as SONA representative.

A special thank you, after many years of representation, to retiring Councillor and Practice Committee Chair David Clarke. While reducing his time commitment, we look forward to David being active in debates which affect our profession. We welcome Marcus Graham, who will take over from David as Chair of the Practice Committee.

On behalf of the ACT Chapter staff we hope you will join us in thanking these, and ongoing Councillors: Natalie Coyles, Tony Trobe, Alan Morschel, Chris Millman, Michael Jasper and Dominic Pelle, and the Committee Chairs and members for their preparedness to contribute to the well being of the profession in this region.

In addition to representing the profession to Federal and Territory Governments and in building industry forums, the ACT Chapter has a program of 40 events, which are either effective continuing professional development or advocacy of architecture which enhances the cultural, environmental and economic well-being of the community by:

advancing contemporary practice and the professional capability of members, and
promoting quality, responsible, sustainable design.

We look forward to you joining us in these activities throughout 2015!

Jamie Penrose, General Manager Membership

Celebration of old and new at ACT Architecture Awards

From a record 51 entries, the jury awarded 35 Awards and Commendations at the 2014 ACT Architecture Awards on Saturday 14 June at the recently refurbished REX Hotel.

For the second year in a row, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer’s (TZG) National Arboretum has been honoured at the ACT Awards. Following on from the 2013 Romaldo Giurgola Award for Public Architecture for the Village Centre, TZG along with Taylor Cullity Lethlean have taken out the 2014 Sir John Overall Award for Urban Design and the chapter’s highest accolade, the Canberra Medallion.

‘The National Arboretum has transformed a devastated site into a major education, research and recreation venue for the National Capital. The seamlessly collaborative architecture and landscape teams have established a significant green heart for Canberra.

‘An important local initiative with national and international benefits already evident, it is a most worthy recipient of the 2014 Canberra Medallion,’ the jury said.

Apostolic Nunciature 1976–1977 by past Gold Medallist Enrico Taglietti received the Award for Enduring Architecture. Built to accommodate diplomatic representatives of the Holy See, the Apostolic Nunciature received several RAIA (ACT) merit awards soon after its completion and Mr Taglietti was awarded a Papal Knighthood of St Gregory the Great in recognition of his design.

‘The 2014 Award for Enduring Architecture acknowledges the way the building has served its purpose well and has been cared for in a loving manner. The architect deserves credit for the strength and appropriateness of his high quality original design,’ the jury noted.

Other notable winners on the night include Australian National University Australian Centre on China in the World by Munns Sly Moore in association with Mo Atelier Szeto which took home the Romaldo Giurgola Award for Public Architecture, Art in Architecture Prize and an INLITE Light in Architecture Prize – Commendation. Hotel Hotel by March Studio also received multiple recognitions with the W Hayward Morris Award for Interior Architecture and an Art in Architecture Prize.

The top residential prize, the Malcolm Moir and Heather Sutherland Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New), was presented to Rodney Moss in association with Ken Murtagh and Pip Smith for The Mook.

‘The Mook is highly detailed and beautifully crafted and a successful essay in the provision of flexible housing choice that has been delivered in a delightful and bespoke pavilion,’ reflected the jury.

Projects that received a Named Award or an Architecture Award now progress to the 2014 National Architecture Awards to be announced in Darwin on 6 November.

Full list of winning projects by category (alphabetical):

Art in Architecture Prize
Winner – Hotel Hotel by March Studio
Winner – Australian National University Australian Centre on China in the World by Munns Sly Moore Architects in Association with Mo Atelier Szeto

BCA Certifiers Mervyn Willoughby-Thomas Renovation Award
Winner – Loft of Suburbia by Yuri Leong, ylarchitecture

Canberra Medallion
Winner – National Arboretum Canberra by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Taylor Cullity Lethlean

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
Award – The Mook by Rodney Moss in association with Ken Murtagh and Pip Smith
Commendation – Radford College–Radford Senior School by Cox Architecture

Commercial Architecture
John Andrews Award for Commercial Architecture – Canberra Centre Food Court by Cox Architecture

Education Prize
Winner – Taylor Primary School by Small Quinton Coleman Architects

Enduring Architecture
Award – Apostolic Nunciature 1976 – 1977 by Enrico Taglietti

Heritage Architecture
J S Murdoch Award for Heritage – Gudgenby-in-a-Box by Philip Leeson Architects
Commendation – NFSA Theatrette by Cox Architecture

INLITE Light in Architecture Prize
Winner – Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by Philip Leeson Architects
Commendation – No.36 Stage 2 by Townsend + Associates Architects
Commendation – Australian National University Australian Centre on China in the World by Munns Sly Moore Architects in Association with Mo Atelier Szeto

Interior Architecture
W Hayward Morris Award for Interior Architecture – Hotel Hotel by March Studio
Award – National Museum of Australia – Additions by ARM Architecture
Commendation – Virgin Australia Canberra Lounge by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
Commendation – Radford College–Radford Senior School by Cox Architecture

Public Architecture
Romaldo Giurgola Award for Public Architecture – Australian National University Australian Centre on China in the World by Munns Sly Moore Architects in Association with Mo Atelier Szeto
Award – Canberra International Airport by Guida Moseley Brown Architects
Award – National Museum of Australia – Additions by ARM Architecture
Award – Radford College–Radford Senior School by Cox Architecture
Award – Colleges of Science – Chemistry Sciences Building by Lyons
Commendation – John Paul College by Collins Caddaye Architects
Commendation – Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by Philip Leeson Architects

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Award – No.36 Stage 2 by Townsend + Associates Architects
Commendation – Narrabundah House + Studio by Jigsaw Housing

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Malcolm Moir and Heather Sutherland Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) – The Mook by Rodney Moss in association with Ken Murtagh and Pip Smith
Award – Phillips Pavilion by Arquitectura
Award – Narrabundah House by Adam Dettrick Architects

Small Project Architecture
ACT Chapter Award for Small Project Architecture – The National Workers Memorial by Johnson Pilton Walker
Commendation – Mirning Bathroom by Roger Pegrum

Sustainable Architecture
ACT Chapter Award for Sustainable Architecture – John Paul College by Collins Caddaye Architects

Urban Design
Sir John Overall Award for Urban Design – National Arboretum Canberra by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Taylor Cullity Lethlean
Commendation – Colleges of Science by Lyons

Additional Prizes
2014 President’s Medal – Janet Thomson
2014 Clem Cummings Medal ¬– Robert Purdon and Christine Purdon
Emerging Architect Prize – Rob Henry
ACT Chapter Student Medallion – Melanie Schonfeld and Cassandra Cutler
John Redmond Prize – Stewart Youngblutt
Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn Graduate Prize – Mark Power and Kate Shepherd
Cox Architecture Student Design Prize Winner – Megaform by Kate Shepherd
Cox Architecture Student Design Second Prize – Conference Centre by Cassandra Cutler
Cox Architecture Student Design Third Prize – Shine Dome Inverted Cadence by Will Headland

From the Chapter President

3 Feb

Elections
As many of you would be aware my presidential term comes to a close in the near future and for the first time in many years there will be more than one candidate and consequently an election. Combine this with the with the nomination of more people standing for Chapter Council than there are places available it suggests there is an increasing vitality and desire to engage with the profession from within the membership … Long may it continue.

Media Canberra Times articles – The ACT Government considering relaxing planning laws that prevent people from building houses that cast shadows over neighbour’s yards.
A great proportion of the effort to highlight the nonsense in the regulations has come from the insights and hard work done by our members over a period of time and was triggered to a certain extent by three articles in the Canberra Times on the same day (including being on the front page and focusing particularly on architects comments). Please follow the links to read.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/overshadowing-planning-law-likely-to-be-rolled-back-20140128-31l79.html
http://canberratimes.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/act-planning-law-changes-key-to-sustainable-and-energyefficient-living-20140111-30nfc.html
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/ct-letters/division-over-canberra-subdivision-designs-20140118-311ly.html
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/act-laws-put-passive-solar-homes-in-the-shade-20140111-30nuc.html
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/ct-editorial/were-facing-the-wrong-way-on-smart-housing-20140111-30nr9.html

Advocacy and Policy
The ACT Government has invited the architectural community to comment on the Regulation of the Design practitioners in the ACT. The ACT Chapter has formed a Task group they include; David Clarke (Chair) supported by Tony Trobe, Catherine Townsend, Ben Walker, Murray Coleman and Sheila Hughes with policy support from the National office Richard Barton and Kylie Ruth. A meeting was held last week and it was agreed to have a representation at the Government consultation sessions and to prepare a collaborative response to Government in the form of a submission.

Additionally, we have been invited to report on the issues surrounding the current operations of the ACT Registration Board. Catherine Townsend and Alan Morschel in their capacity as ACT Registration Board members are preparing this report.

Both submissions are due on the 28 Feb and if any member would like to contribute to the process please contact the Chapter Manager.

Tony Trobe
ACT Chapter President