Australia is in the global engineering spotlight, with four leading Australians now holding senior international roles helping to shape the future of the profession. Backed by Engineers Australia, ATSE and Consult Australia, these leaders are advancing a shared vision: harnessing Australian engineering expertise to tackle global challenges including decarbonisation, digital transformation and workforce mobility.

• Em Professor Elizabeth Taylor AO HonFIEAust FTSE, Chair of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA)
• Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE, President of the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS)
• Mr Bill Cox Mr William (Bill) Cox FIEAust FTSE, Chair of the Global Leadership Forum Advisory Board, International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC)

Joining a number of other Australian engineers shaping best practice in their respective disciplines, Professor Saeid Nahavandi FIET FIEEE FTSE FIEAust is incoming President of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – SMC Society, the world’s largest technical professional organisation which sets global standards in electrical engineering, computing and technology. 

“This is a unique moment of Australian influence in global engineering,” said Romilly Madew AO, CEO of Engineers Australia. “We’re seeing Australian talent leading not just in ideas, but in shaping how the profession responds to critical issues like sustainability, technology, and global collaboration.”

The three peak bodies are working together to ensure this international leadership translates into national benefit, strengthening innovation, commercialisation, and skills development at home.

“This global leadership is no accident, it’s the result of decades of investment in Australian engineering and a culture of collaboration and innovation,” said Kylie Walker, CEO of ATSE. “It gives us the chance to influence international standards, foster knowledge exchange, and accelerate the deployment of technologies that solve global problems.”

“We must create the right enabling environment at home, one that nurtures entrepreneurship, supports skills and capability development, and ensures that Australia continues to lead globally,” said Jonathan Cartledge, CEO of Consult Australia.

Together, Engineers Australia, ATSE and Consult Australia are calling for a national conversation on skills, innovation and productivity ensuring Australia’s global leadership strengthens our capacity to respond to climate change, digital disruption and regional uncertainty.

Background

Australia’s global leadership is being exercised across the world’s most influential engineering forums.

• IEA governs recognition of engineering education and professional competence across 40 plus member jurisdictions. 
• CAETS brings together national engineering academies, with Australia set to host its 2025 Annual Meeting in Brisbane this month.
• The FIDIC Global Leadership Forum Advisory Board shapes global consulting engineering and infrastructure strategy. 

See also: Australian engineering: global leadership and national opportunity

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