In a recent meeting with the Minister for Finance, Services & Property, Dominic Perrottet, I reiterated the Institute’s concern that if the Government Architect’s Office is to move to a more strategic role in government it needs to have sufficient expert staff to do that job effectively. It’s one thing for the office to give up its current design workload for public sector building projects; but quite another to be advising on the strategic use of design excellence and expertise without itself having access to the experienced people who understand first-hand what design excellence and expertise can achieve. This initial meeting was a positive step. The Minister was quite open about the options for giving the GAO a central role.

Gender Equity
The Chapter’s future Champions of Change had their second face to face meeting recently. I am heartened by the honesty with which these men are facing the challenge of gender equity in their workplaces – and their willingness to join others working to change the culture of the profession. I will keep you posted on further developments.

Shaun Carter
NSW Chapter President