The construction sector has been in the news for all the wrong reasons over the past couple of weeks, with allegations of illegal and bullying behaviour by trade unions on building sites in Victoria.
This will come as no surprise to members of the surveying profession, who have been concerned about these matters for some time.
Many will have experienced first-hand, or heard rumours of, surveyors being prevented from doing their jobs or being pressured into complying with demands from unions that don’t even represent them, before being allowed to do their work.
The worst instances of this behaviour have occurred in Victoria, but there is concern that it has begun to spread to other states.
Surveying sector bodies such as the Geospatial Council of Australia (GCA) have been closely watching developments in this space, particularly with regard to the CFMEU, since early last year, and have been working behind the scenes to bring surveyors together to find solutions.
“We have had many reports over the years of unprofessional conduct on building sites, where surveyors have been either prevented from coming on site and doing their work, or have been pressured into joining a union before being allowed to do their work,” said Tony Wheeler, CEO of the GCA.
“Surveyors and geospatial service providers are entitled to conduct their business safely in an open and fair marketplace, and we will work tirelessly to support this principle.”
“It is important to note that surveyors are covered by the Surveying Award 2020 under the Fair Work Act 2009,” added Wheeler. “The guiding principles set out in the Fair Work Act and the Surveyors Award allow for an individual approach to both the relationship between the employee and the employer, with the employer then having a relationship between themselves and their client.”
Although surveying is only a small part of the overall construction sector, it plays a vital role in all building activity, no matter whether it is an office block or a national highway.
According to Wheeler, a significant part of the solution is for all engineering surveyors to take advantage of the benefits that come with obtaining GCA’s Engineering Surveying Professional – Australasia Pacific (ESP-AP) Certification.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that having such certification endows surveyors with higher status on construction sites, and they are therefore more often left undisturbed to get on with their work.
Quite aside from the workplace issues outlined above, professional certification has other tangible and intangible benefits, says Wheeler.
“Certified surveying professionals undertake many years of study and undergo regular examination and further training in order to qualify for the privilege of holding their certifications,” he said. “It signifies a person’s technical competence in performing engineering surveys and related activities.”
“By upholding high standards of professional knowledge, technical skills, and experience, ESP-AP certification helps mitigate risks associated with substandard work and project delays.”
And it can be a definite advantage when bidding for work. For example, Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads mandates GCA ESP-AP certification for engineering surveyors working on certain projects.
Wheeler points out that the GCA’s nationally recognised ESP-AP certification has been in place for more than a decade, with continuous improvements throughout that period, and is open to all individuals regardless of GCA membership status.
