Registration ensures competency
THE mining and resources sector is a key driver of the Queensland economy, contributing billions of dollars to the State Government through taxes and royalties.
The economic importance of the mining and resources sector to the Queensland public cannot be understated.
Risks to the health and safety of the personnel working on mine sites and the public from mining related activities can also not be understated.
At its core, the Professional Engineers Act 2002 (PE Act) is about protecting the public and setting a standard for engineers.
This is achieved through a registration. Queensland has had a registration system for engineers since 1929 (currently the only comprehensive and mandatory registration system for engineers in Australia).
Once registered, engineers gain the title of registered professional engineer of Queensland (RPEQ).
Only RPEQs can legally carry out professional engineering services in or for Queensland.
The registration system prevents unqualified and inexperienced persons from carrying out professional engineering services.
Therefore, the public can have confidence that a person holding the title RPEQ is a qualified, competent and experienced engineer.
Professional engineering services carried out by engineers on mine sites may still affect the public even though these services are not provided direct to the public.
For this reason, engineers in mining and resources are required by law to hold RPEQ status.
For more information on the PE Act or becoming a RPEQ, contact the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland at admin@bpeq.qld.gov.au.
The Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland is an independent statutory body, responsible for the administration of the PE Act and regulation of engineers.
*An unregistered person may carry out a professional engineering service under the direct supervision of a RPEQ, or if the professional engineering service is carried out only by following a prescriptive standard.