Members of Engineers Australia have greater protection from costly liability suits after the organisation’s professional standards were recognised under Commonwealth legislation.

The Engineers Australia (NSW) Professional Standards Scheme holds members to strict standards of professional development, risk management and handling of customer complaints. In return, members have their civil liabilities capped under relevant state and federal legislation.

Members of the Engineers Australia scheme must take out public liability and professional indemnity (PI) insurance approved by the organisation’s national council of at least $1 million.

Federal Revenue Minister Peter Dutton says professional standard schemes are helping to keep PI insurance affordable. “Keeping professional indemnity premiums affordable is essential to ensuring business and the community can access the professional services they need,” he said.