12/5/00
Works Minister Rob Johnson has told architects that the State Government does not necessarily agree with a draft recommendation by the Productivity Commission to scrap regulations governing the profession.
Mr Johnson, addressing the Architects’ Board of Western Australia’s annual awards presentation in Perth today, said he was reviewing the Productivity Commission’s report but no decision had been made.
The Commonwealth agency’s draft Review of Legislation Regulating the Architectural Profession was released for comment last week.
It recommends that various State-based Architects Acts should be repealed. The commission said it found no reason why architects should have statutory certification and suggested alternative models for self-regulation.
“I note the Productivity Commission’s draft findings have already drawn criticism from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects,” Mr Johnson said.
“I want to stress that the draft recommendations do not necessarily reflect the WA Government’s position on this matter.
“The Government is conducting its own review of the Architects Act but this had been put on hold pending the completion of the Productivity Commission’s review.”
Mr Johnson said the Government would consider the commission’s final report but would also take into account other avenues for registration, including the proposed Western Australian Building Act.
He would continue to consult with the Architects’ Board of WA and other interested parties.
“We will complete our own review and determine what is best for Western Australia and WA architects,” he said.
Mr Johnson made the comments at this year’s Architects’ Board Award 2000.
This year’s recipient, Brian Kidd, has had a long and distinguished career designing buildings for elderly people and those with disabilities.
The John Coleman Award, presented to the most outstanding WA candidate in the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia’s architectural practice examinations, went to Kym Michelle Muir.
Media contact: Fran Hodge (08) 9481 3244
