TPA secures accreditation win
October 2026
TPA’s Victoria and Tasmania branch has had an advocacy win, successfully arguing for broader recognition of engineering qualifications for experienced practitioners.
Victoria’s Professional Engineers Registration Act came into effect in 2021, but some longstanding transport professionals have not had their qualifications recognised under this system.
Last year, the Victorian Department of Government Services commissioned GHD to review the Act. Members of TPA’s VicTas branch – Toby Cooper, Katie Harker, Mike Willson, Ali Inayathusein and David Keenan – worked together to develop a submission arguing that the requirement to hold a Washington Accord accredited engineering degree was too restrictive. This requirement was excluding TPA (then AITPM) members who had built extensive careers in transport planning, engineering and modelling, sometimes over decades.
“This narrow credentialing pathway fails to reflect the diversity of the transport profession and creates systemic barriers for highly capable individuals. These professionals often lead major projects, mentor junior staff, and shape transport policy and infrastructure delivery across Victoria, yet they are now deemed “ineligible” to apply for registration and can therefore work solely under circumstances requiring supervision.”
In response to submissions and other industry consultation, GHD made a number of recommendations to the Government. One was to establish a clear, accessible alternative pathway for suitably qualified or experienced professionals, including internationally trained engineers who do not hold Washington Accord qualifications.
The Victorian Government recently issued a response to the report supporting the recommendation in full. The response says the Government will now work to “…ensure that the scheme works as intended and provides an effective pathway for accreditation for experienced engineers…”
Congratulations to the VicTas branch for successfully representing TPA members and ensuring that their expertise and experience are officially recognised.