On 25 July 2025, the Fair Work Commission announced a review into how degree-qualified professionals are classified under modern awards, and the Surveying Award 2010 is included in the initial list.
This is a major opportunity for our profession to ensure the Award reflects the real value of our work.
Surveyors Australia will be lodging a submission to make the case for keeping the Surveying Award in the review and to highlight the urgent need for reform.
Our submission focuses on a few key issues:
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The misalignment between Award wages and actual market salaries, based on our National Remuneration Benchmark Surveys.
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The professional responsibilities and legal liabilities held by graduate and registered surveyors - and how these are not recognised in the current structure.
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The undervaluation of diploma-qualified roles, including Engineering Surveyors and Survey Technicians, especially compared to the C10 Metals Framework.
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The lack of clarity in the Award that limits pay progression in local government.
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And the impact on workforce attraction and retention, especially when promoting surveying as a career to students and parents.
Our draft submission will be sent on 20 August 2025. If you would like to contribute feedback before it’s lodged, please get in touch with us directly. You can contact our CEO, Michelle Blicavs via ceo@surveyorsaus.org.au.
Thanks again to those of you who’ve already helped shape our response.
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