A NSW parliamentary inquiry has confirmed that Transport for NSW has weakened its own technical capability and Professional's Australia, the union representing engineers says the Government must now fix it.
Professionals Australia has welcomed the findings of the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Transport for NSW restructure, saying the report validates concerns long raised by engineers and technical professionals.
The Inquiry found that repeated restructures, job cuts and over‑reliance on contractors and consultants are eroding technical capability, institutional knowledge and risking safety outcomes across the transport network.
The committee’s recommendations include prioritising the retention of in‑house technical expertise, reducing reliance on labour hire and professional service contractors, and increasing transparency around consultancy‑driven restructuring decisions.
Professionals Australia said these findings validate what union members have been warning about throughout the restructure process.
“Engineers and technical professionals working across Transport for NSW have consistently raised concerns about the loss of in‑house capability, the weakening of technical expertise and the growing dependence on external consultants and contractors,” a union spokesperson said.
“Our union has long advocated for strong in‑house engineering capability and a reduction in the excessive reliance on private service contractors.
The Inquiry’s recommendations confirm what members have been saying all along.”
The union said maintaining a highly skilled permanent workforce is critical to ensuring safe, reliable and sustainable transport infrastructure and services for the people of New South Wales.
“Transport infrastructure and safety‑critical decisions must be supported by experienced engineers and technical professionals with deep institutional knowledge and long‑term accountability to the public sector.”
Professionals Australia welcomed the committee report and called on the NSW Government to implement measures to address the issues identified by the Inquiry.
“We call on the NSW Government to act on these recommendations and rebuild a robust, technically capable and properly resourced Transport for NSW.
“That means investing in permanent skilled staff, protecting engineering capability, improving consultation processes and reducing the over‑reliance on external consultants and labour hire.”
The union also acknowledged the advocacy of members and delegates for a robust, technically capable and sustainable Transport for NSW.
“Members and delegates have consistently stood up to defend in‑house capability, engineering expertise and safe long‑term transport outcomes for the people of New South Wales.”
Contact details:
Siobhan - 0439 505 261
