2024 QUEENSLAND
STATE ELECTION
2024 QUEENSLAND STATE ELECTION
Building Queensland’s Future: Designed to Last
The Queensland Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects calls on all parties in the coming election to improve design quality, deliver climate resilience, increase architectural capacity and support local workforce capacity.
Queensland’s built environment is at a crossroads
We have significant population growth, a systemic housing crisis, strained community infrastructure, increasing climate change impacts, and are eight years out from an Olympic Games. The Institute applauds major investment in housing, transport, and community infrastructure and urges all parties to commit to ongoing significant investment. What we build now, and the quality of that build, how we design it, is vital to the well-being of all Queenslanders well into the future. Architects are pivotal in delivering the safe, life-enhancing, resilient, high-quality communities that all Queenslanders deserve.
IMPROVE DESIGN QUALITY OF ALL STATE GOVERNMENT PROJECTS
- utilise the skills, capability and passion of Architects to deliver fast-tracked housing solutions to support the current housing crisis
- embed QDesign principles in all State Government design briefs
- establish performance benchmarks for undertaking timely design review for all projects based on QDesign and QCompanion documents
- implement the Queensland Government’s Procurement Policy to support building quality and design integrity.
DELIVER CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN ALL GOVERNMENT PROJECTS
- align all procurement across the built environment with the current net-zero policy to ensure the best investment for Queenslanders now and in the future
- embed climate responsive and resilient design requirements in all projects
- develop an environmentally sustainable development framework for urban development and significant projects to restore and enhance natural systems and biodiversity, in our cities and urban precincts
- adopt NCC 2025 and future additions to support issues unique to Queensland.
INCREASE ARCHITECTURAL CAPACITY WITHIN THE STATE GOVERNMENT
- establish an Olympics design coordination unit in the office of the State Government Architect
- expand in-house delivery roles for architects in departments implementing transport, housing, education and health projects
- expand the role and capacity of the State Government Heritage Unit to deliver the Queensland Heritage Implementation Strategy and the Queensland Heritage Advisory Panel final report
support local workforce capacity
- subsidise out of pocket costs of materials for architecture students directly associated with their studies in architecture
- fund stipends for Queensland students to attain their Master of Architecture (required for registration) with a mutual obligation to successfully complete study or work for a minimum period in regional Queensland.
NEXT STEPS FOR ADVOCACY ...
- We are sending our priorities to the major parties.
- We announced our position via a media release to gain exposure in Queensland local media.
- Members are encouraged to also connect with local candidates and share these priorities with them. Resources and information for members can be found below.
- Following the election and whichever government is formed, we will engage with relevant ministers to ensure that the next government is aware of these priorities and becomes engaged with the opportunities we are proposing.
RESOURCES
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Approach Election Candidates
Engaging with candidates in the lead-up to a state election is a powerful way to advocate for your profession. Here’s a guide on how to approach candidates through emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings, along with templates and key talking points.
1. Approaching Candidates via Email
Step-by-Step Guide:
Research the Candidate: Understand their stance on issues related to your profession. Check their party’s platform and recent public statements.
Craft a Personalized Email: Introduce yourself and your professional role.
Express the importance of your profession to public policy (e.g., housing, climate resilience, infrastructure).
Ask for their support on specific policy issues.
Follow Up: If you don’t receive a reply within a week, send a polite follow-up email.
Email Template (DOWNLOAD)
2. Phone Call to Candidates
Step-by-Step Guide:
Prepare Key Talking Points: Jot down 2-3 key issues you want to discuss. Keep them concise.
Introduce Yourself: Mention your name, profession, and location. Be clear that you are part of a broader professional organization advocating for specific issues.
State Your Purpose: Explain the policy areas you’d like to discuss and why they are important to the election.
Request Action: Ask whether the candidate supports your policy positions and if they would be willing to advocate for them during their campaign.
Thank Them: Always express gratitude for their time and willingness to listen.
Phone Call Script (DOWNLOAD)
3. In-Person Meetings with Candidates
Step-by-Step Guide:
Research the Candidate:
Know their stance on issues relevant to your profession.
Bring relevant documents, such as fact sheets, that back up your arguments.
Prepare Your Key Points:
Focus on 2-3 key issues. Have facts and examples ready to explain how these policies will benefit the community.
Set the Agenda:
Begin by introducing yourself and stating the purpose of the meeting.
Briefly outline the main points you want to cover and keep the discussion focused.
Engage in a Two-Way Dialogue:
Be prepared to answer questions and listen to the candidate’s views.
Ask for their stance on your issues and suggest ways they could publicly support your profession.
Leave Behind Resources:
Offer them a copy of the election priorities document.
Follow Up:
Send a thank-you email summarising the meeting and reiterating key points.
Thank you email template (DOWNLOAD)
Ask for Support:
“We would love to see you champion these policies during your campaign. Would you be open to publicly supporting these initiatives?”
Closing:
“Thank you again for your time. We’ll be following the campaign closely and are happy to support candidates who align with these priorities. Here is some additional information you might find helpful.”
