ACT Chapter President’s Message – September 2016

ACT Procurement and Capital Works (PCW) have formally responded to our recent submission regarding current ACT government tendering processes. They have acknowledged our concerns and are showing a willingness to implement changes after further consultation with the industry. In the coming weeks we will be meeting with PCW and our joint signatories of the submission (MBA, AILA, Engineers Australia, and AIB) to reiterate our concerns and suggest changes that will deliver a model that is ethical and will produce better built outcomes.

Planning Minister Mick Gentleman made the announcement recently that the next ACT Government Architect will be Catherine Townsend. “Catherine brings a wealth of local expertise in roles such as the Director of the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, Chair of ACT Board of Architects, and as a member of the Building Regulatory Advisory Committee, as well as being recognised as a highly competent architect.” Minister Gentleman said. Naturally the ACT Chapter is delighted and fully supportive of Catherine’s appointment and look forward to assisting her in the role. I am confident she will continue on with the legacy left by Alastair Swayn, whom will be remembered by all as strong advocate for design quality, city planning and education. Alastair was warmly remembered this last week with a memorial service at his NATSEM building that concluded with scotch shots for the hundreds of attendees.

In recent meetings with the Planning Minister we have discussed possible changes to the role of the Government Architect and also the implementation of changes to the planning approvals process. The Minister has spent time visiting South Australia and discussing the planning process in Adelaide with their Government Architect, Kirsteen Mackay, and is supportive of adopting a similar system. Catherine’s workload might end up being more than she thinks!

Other recent events hosted by the ACT Chapter recently include a tour of the Snowy Hydro facility to learn about the thermal and construction benefits of our sponsor Ritek’s SIP’s products, a record attendance at the Small Practice Group presentation by our Planning Committee, and the first of the Contemporary Australian Architecture Speaker Series talks by James Russell. Needless to say I am exhausted by all the great events our chapter fits into one month and I thank the support of our chapter staff and members in pulling it all together.

 
Rob Henry

ACT Chapter President