MEDIA RELEASE
30 March 2026
Architecture Profession Calls for Urgent Meeting with Victorian Government on Future of ARBV
Victoria’s three peak architectural bodies, The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), Association of Consulting Architects Australia (ACA), and ArchiTeam Cooperative Ltd, have issued a joint call to the Victorian Government seeking urgent consultation regarding the proposed consolidation of professional regulators, including the potential abolition of the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.
In a combined letter to Victorian Ministers Sonya Kilkenny and Harriet Shing, the organisations emphasise that the current parliamentary process represents a critical juncture for the future of architectural regulation in Victoria.
The letter follows the formal raising of the issue in the Victorian Parliament, with a Ministerial response expected imminently. The profession warns that decisions made at this stage will have far-reaching consequences for public protection, education standards, and the sustainability of the architectural workforce.
Unified Position Across the Profession
Representing a broad cross-section of architectural practices, from sole practitioners to large firms, the three organisations have aligned to present a unified, profession-wide position.
“The potential dismantling of a specialist regulator like the ARBV must be carefully considered,” the joint statement notes. “Without direct engagement with the profession, there is a real risk of unintended consequences across regulation, education, and consumer protection.”
Call for Immediate Engagement
The organisations have formally requested an urgent joint meeting with both Ministers to:
- Present a clear and unified position from across the profession
- Outline the risks and implications of the proposed reforms
- Provide practical, evidence-based input
- Identify constructive pathways to ensure any reform maintains robust and nationally consistent regulation
The signatories emphasise that while they are committed to working constructively with government, meaningful consultation must occur before any policy direction is finalised.
Time-Critical Decision
With the parliamentary timeline advancing, the organisations stress the urgency of engagement.
“This is a pivotal moment for the profession and for the integrity of the regulatory framework that underpins public trust in architecture,” the statement concludes.