ARBV Annual Report 2025-2026

The Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) is the statutory authority responsible for regulating Victorian architects, approved companies and partnerships. As the State’s regulator of architects, the ARBV is dedicated to upholding high standards of professional conduct and practice by architects and contributing to better built outcomes throughout Victoria.

The ARBV is an entity within Victoria’s transport and planning portfolio, which is led by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). DTP and its entities share responsibility for Victoria’s transport and planning systems. DTP brings together transport, planning, land, precinct and policy functions within a single department to create thriving places and connected communities. Together with the portfolio agencies, DTP
is responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all. It serves four ministers and one parliamentary secretary.

The responsible ministers for the ARBV for the reporting period were the Hon. Harriet Shing MP, Minister for Housing and Building 1 July 2025 to 15 April 2026 and the Hon. Nick Staikos MP, Minister for Housing and Building from 15 April 2026 to 30 June 2026.

The ARBV and its initiatives are vital contributors to the transport and planning portfolio.

Our vision

A well designed, liveable and safe built environment for Victorians.

Our mission

We will engage, educate and regulate to ensure architectural services in Victoria are delivered according to high professional standards and contribute to improved building outcomes for the benefit of the community.

Our values

The ARBV operates in accordance with the Victorian Public Sector values of:

• responsiveness
• integrity
• impartiality
• accountability
• respect
• leadership
• human rights.

Our role

The ARBV administers the Architects Act 1991 (the Act) and Architects Regulations 2026 (the Regulations).

The Act establishes the framework for the regulation of architects in Victoria and has as its main purposes:

• to provide for the registration of architects
• to provide for the approval of partnerships and companies providing architectural services
• to regulate the professional conduct of architects
• to provide a procedure for handling complaints against architects
• to regulate the use of the terms “architect”, “architectural services”, “architectural design services” and “architectural design”
• to establish the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.

Our functions

The ARBV’s statutory functions include:

• assessing and determining applications for registration from individuals and applications for approval from partnerships and companies
• suspending and cancelling registrations or approvals and revoking suspensions where required
• regulating the professional conduct of architects, approved partnerships and approved companies
• preparing guidelines on professional conduct and practice for architects, approved partnerships and approved companies
• publishing information relating to the operation of the ARBV and the Act
• together with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA), administering the Architectural Practice Examination (APE), the most common pathway to registration
• accrediting architectural programs of study within Victoria, in accordance with the established Architecture Program Accreditation Procedure in Australia and New Zealand administered by the AACA and in doing so, determining qualifications required for registration under the Act
• investigating and bringing proceedings for offences against the Act
• carrying out any other powers and functions which are given to it by the Act or which are necessary to implement the Act.

Knowledge, capability and excellence

To support architects in the delivery of professional services for the benefit of the community and advancement of the industry.

Community understanding

To build community understanding of the role of architects and the ARBV.

Trusted regulator

To demonstrate ARBVs value as a trusted regulator, supporting the delivery of a high-quality built environment.

Culture and outcomes

To drive positive outcomes for consumers by promoting a professional culture of accountability among architects.

The ARBV strives to ensure the delivery of quality architectural services in Victoria, the protection of consumers of architectural services as well as the broader community, and to instil public confidence in the regulation of the architecture profession by the ARBV.

To this end, the ARBV is committed to ensuring that outcomes are at the heart of its regulatory approach and activities.

Regulatory objectives

In overseeing the regulatory framework, the ARBV specifically aims to:

• promote and maintain high standards of professional conduct and practice by architects
• restrict who can represent themselves as architects
• ensure only suitably qualified entities are registered and approved to provide architectural services
• ensure compliance by architects with insurance requirements
• support architects to fulfil their professional obligations to their clients
• encourage and support voluntary compliance with the regulatory framework
• engender confidence in and respect for the profession.

The ARBV uses all its available regulatory tools to pursue these objectives.

Regulatory strategy

The ARBV’s Regulatory Strategy sets out the ARBV’s risk-based approach to undertaking its proactive and reactive regulatory activities. It explains how the ARBV regulates the architecture profession in Victoria using the risks associated with non-compliance and consequent harm that could compromise the achievement of regulatory objectives as a guide for its
regulatory activities. In turn, this approach helps to ensure that the regulation of the architecture profession in Victoria is effective, fair, efficient, and consistent.

The ARBV has also published a Statement of Regulatory Approach, which explains the risk-based approach to external stakeholders, including regulated entities.

The Statement of Regulatory Approach provides transparency regarding the ARBV’s risk-based approach to regulation, while also encouraging regulated entities to voluntarily comply with the regulatory framework.

The ARBV’s Regulatory Strategy and Statement of Regulatory Approach were updated to reflect amendments to the Architects Act 1991 which came into effect in 2025 and amendments to the Architects Regulations 2015, including the Architects Code of Professional Conduct (the Code) contained in Schedule 1 of the Regulations, which came into effect on April 2026 following sunset of the 2015 Regulations.

Regulatory activities

The ARBV uses its registration and approval function to ensure that only those that are eligible under the regulatory framework are permitted to provide architectural services. In addition, the ARBV undertakes proactive and reactive regulatory activity to respectively mitigate the risk of non-compliance with the regulatory framework and address that risk in cases when noncompliance occurs.

Proactive regulatory activity

The ARBV’s proactive strategic plan for FY 23/24 – FY 25/26 helps to ensure that the ARBV’s proactive regulatory activities keep pace with a rapidly changing environment.

Proactive activities include:

• developing educational materials, including fact sheets, updates and webinars, to assist architects to understand and meet their obligations and to help clients to understand their rights
• engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, including architects, clients and industry bodies, to discuss compliance issues, encourage voluntary compliance, and gain insights about areas of concern
• carrying out research and analysis to help the ARBV better understand sector-wide issues and concerns
• monitoring regulated entities, gathering intelligence from various sources about compliance risks and analysing information to detect compliance trends and issues.

Reactive regulatory activity

The ARBV undertakes reactive regulatory activity to respond to instances of actual or possible noncompliance. The ARBV’s reactive regulatory activity may include:

• education and engagement
• informal advice or warning about compliance
• referral to the Architects Tribunal where there are concerns about an architect’s fitness to practise and/or professional conduct
• suspending or cancelling registration or approval
• institution of prosecution proceedings.

REGISTRATION HIGHLIGHTS

COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATION HIGHLIGHTS

ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

As we present the Architects Registration Board of Victoria’s 2025–26 Annual Report, we do so in the knowledge that the Victorian Government has committed to a significant regulatory shift – to form a Business and Professions Regulator by expanding the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) to cover architects, surveyors and veterinarians – professionals who are currently regulated respectively by the ARBV, Surveyors
Registration Board of Victoria and the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria. Engineers are already regulated by the BLA.

Following the Victorian Government’s announcement in December 2025, the ARBV commissioned a comparative analysis of the regulatory frameworks that currently govern architects, veterinarians, surveyors and engineers to assess the possible legal and practical implications of regulatory consolidation. The analysis has been provided to the Victorian Government and architect membership bodies as part of the ARBV’s commitment to work constructively to ensure that the coherence and integrity of the regulatory regime for architects is maintained, and risks of disruption to regulatory functions and effectiveness are minimised.

Currently the ARBV is closely aligned to the regulators of architects in the other states and territories, which provides uniformity in approach to the education and regulation of architects. This is notable because it provides a national benchmark by which to identify an architect who has met the competency standards that precondition registration in each jurisdiction and supports mutual recognition arrangements. Consumers in any jurisdiction can easily understand the qualifications and competencies of registered architects, no matter where the architects are based or providing services. For both consumers and architects, it is critically important that national alignment and mutual recognition arrangements are maintained.

We will continue to engage with the Victorian Government regarding reform priorities including the need to maintain the integrity of the national framework, a strong focus on consumer and public protection, and the involvement of profession-specific expertise as a feature of the regulatory oversight of architects. We are also committed to a smooth and well-managed transition that supports the effective regulation of Victorian architects and the ongoing delivery of regulatory initiatives and programs without interruption.

During the year changes to the legislative framework for Victorian architects came into effect with amendments to the Architects Act 1991(the Act), effective from 13 August 2025, resetting several requirements relating to the renewal of registration and approvals. Further, following a sunset review led by the Department of Transport and Planning, the Architects Regulations 2026 (the Regulations) came into operation on 25 April 2026. The review ensures that the Regulations remain fit for purpose in a changing building and construction environment, address ongoing risks associated with professional competency, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) compliance and building quality, strengthen consumer protection, and are aligned with the amendments made to the Act. Changes introduced include prescribing existing CPD requirements in the Regulations and some amendments to the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct.

Significant effort and resources were expended internally to operationalise the changes, ensure systems readiness and support architects to transition to the new requirements. A webinar was delivered and a comprehensive suite of guidance materials produced. Information about the changes were communicated to architects via telephone, email, newsletter updates, and on the ARBV website. It was a great effort by staff to operationalise the changes and support architects to transition to the new requirements, and the professionalism and resilience of the staff is a credit to them.

As this year’s annual report highlights our key successes and progress towards the achievement of the ARBV’s strategic objectives under the final year of our Strategic Plan 2022-2026, we have prepared a high-level summary of our major achievements over the last 4 years (on pages 12-14). Significantly, we have continuously improved and uplifted regulatory activities and embedded them as the ARBV’s business-as-usual activities. This was all done with a focus on ensuring high professional standards are upheld, providing protection for consumers, and improving confidence in the building industry.

As outlined above, and in subsequent sections of this report, 2025-26 has been a very busy year for the ARBV. In addition to the activities already outlined, other important activities undertaken include:

• revising the ARBV’s Regulatory Strategy and Statement of Regulatory Approach
• working on the ARBV’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030 for ministerial approval
• continuation of the ARBV’s immensely successful CPD webinar program
• participation in consumer-focused public events such as the Open House Melbourne July Weekend Walking Tour, the Melbourne Home Show, and the Melbourne Big Build Expo
• publication of an educational video series for architects about client communications
• publication of a summary and booklet in support of the ARBV’s Strengthening Compliance Culture in the Architecture Sector research report
• scoping a new research project to commence in 2026-2027 in partnership with RMIT University focusing on the implications of the emergence of artificial intelligence on the sector
• collaborating on activities of mutual interest with the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, other state and territory Architects Registration Boards, and industry regulators and agencies in Victoria
• regulating more than 8,800 practising architects, approved companies and partnerships
• managing over 280 Architectural Practice Examination candidates undertaking pre-registration requirements.

We sincerely thank our Board members and dedicated staff. This includes Board member, Prof. Sarah McGann, who resigned from the Board in March 2026 to take up appointment as Dean and Head of School at the University of Western Australia School of Design. We are grateful to Prof. McGann for her expertise and thoughtful insights and guidance during her term on the Board. Notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding the future of the ARBV, the Board and staff have continued to commit their time, energy, and shared vision to make this past year a huge success.

Dr Giorgio Marfella, ARBV Chairperson

Dr Glenice Fox, ARBV CEO/Registrar

The ARBV Strategic Plan 2022-2026 (the Strategic Plan) guides our activities and how we prioritise our resources to achieve the ARBV's mission to uphold high standards of integrity in the professional practice of architecture and engage with architects, consumers and government to enhance the quality and safety of the built environment for all Victorians. The Strategic Plan sets out the objectives to be met during the life of the plan and details of the strategic initiatives which will enable the ARBV to meet those objectives. This is our final year under the current plan.

The ARBV’s strategic direction and performance also reflect the Ministerial Statement of Expectations for the ARBV issued on 3 July 2023 requiring the ARBV to focus on the following thematic priority elements:

• Risk based strategies informed by enhanced data capture and knowledge gathering;
• Improved delivery and regulatory responsiveness; and
• Stakeholder engagement and consultation.

Our performance against the strategic objectives and Ministerial expectations is set out in the tables and information on pages 16-22. Where there is an overlap between initiatives and actions in the ARBV’s Strategic Plan and the Ministerial Statement of Expectations this has been highlighted in blue. The ARBV’s progress in implementing improvements to its regulatory practices as recommended by the Government’s Building Reform Expert Panel has also been incorporated into this performance report.

A Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (PMEF) has been developed by the ARBV that provides a structured framework and process for evaluating our performance against the strategic objectives we have committed to in the Strategic Plan. Measures that have been drawn from the PMEF have been bolded.

PERFORMANCE REVIEW 2025-26
Objective 1: Knowledge, capability, & excellence
To support architects in the delivery of professional services for the benefit of the community and advancement of the industry

PERFORMANCE REVIEW 2025-26
Objective 2: Community understanding
To build community understanding of the role of architects and the ARBV

PERFORMANCE REVIEW 2025-26
Objective 3: Trusted regulator
To demonstrate the ARBV’s value as a trusted regulator, supporting the delivery of a high-quality built environment

PERFORMANCE REVIEW 2025-26
Objective 4: Culture & Outcomes
To drive positive outcomes for consumers by promoting a professional culture of accountability among architects

Additional objectives/activities from the Ministers Statement of Expectations (SOE)

Under the SOE the ARBV is required to continuously improve systems, resources, intelligence and processes to support efficient and effective delivery of regulatory services.

As evident from the reporting in the preceding tables, the ARBV has continuously improved systems, resources, intelligence and processes to support the efficient and effective delivery of regulatory services. Significant systems such as the CRM have been introduced and are firmly embedded. The CRM supports the ARBV’s Regulatory Strategy, which embodies the risk-based approach to regulation. Important research projects have been undertaken that help inform regulatory activities and uplift understanding about risks and compliance. Work has been undertaken in collaboration with other regulators and information shared to increase accountability and improve outcomes. Procedures and manuals have been developed and are regularly revised.

The SOE also requires the ARBV to maintain a high-performing focused and sustainable organisation and the ARBV’s small, dedicated team implemented activities in accordance with its annual business plan and within the approved budget. The ARBV’s Enterprise Agreement included a staff adaptability and collaboration allowance, recognising the ARBV’s need to optimise its resources to improve delivery of regulatory services. The ARBV monitors and maintains an adequate solvency ratio to meet its long-term liabilities and ensure its financial sustainability.

Spotlight on Registration

Registration is an important regulatory function as it controls entry to the profession and provides assurance to consumers that architects possess a high standard of education and experience, adhere to applicable standards of professional conduct and practice and hold professional indemnity insurance.

Requirements for registration
Pre-registration pathways
Persons seeking registration as an architect in Victoria must have been engaged for not less than 2 years in practical architectural work and attained a standard of professional practice satisfactory to the ARBV.

The Architectural Practice Examination (APE) is the most common pathway to registration. It tests candidates on their practical knowledge and is held twice in each calendar year. The APE has been adopted by all Australian state and territory Architects Registration Boards (ARBs), providing national consistency in pre-registration examinations.

The other pathways to registration are administered by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) and include:

• the Experienced Practitioner Assessment (EPA) – for both overseas experienced and locally experienced persons;
• overseas mutual recognition – Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation and US architects; and
• the UK mutual recognition pathway – allows for graduates and registered practitioners from the UK to seek registration.

The pathways to registration generally require the completion of a university degree for eligibility to a registration pathway.

Fit and Proper Person (FPP) requirement
Under the Architects Act 1991 (the Act), architects must be a fit and proper person (FPP) to be registered with reference to a series of probity matters set out in section 10A of the Act.

These matters relate to convictions or findings of guilt for offences involving fraud, dishonesty, drug trafficking or violence punishable by imprisonment for six months or more, within the past 10 years; suspension or cancellation of registration, licence, approval or other authorisation within the past 10 years; being subject to an order from a court or Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal that has not been complied with; disciplinary action taken under the Building Act 1993; and insolvency (bankruptcy) within the past 10 years.

Persons applying for registration or architects seeking to renew their registration are required to declare that they meet the FPP requirement.

Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) requirements
Section 8B and 8C of the Act require practising architects to be covered by professional indemnity insurance (PII) that complies with the requirements of the Architects Insurance Ministerial Order of February 2020 made pursuant to section 17A of the Act. Architects who carry out work without being covered by the required insurance will be in breach of section 8B of the Act and clause 2(3)(d) of the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct (the Code) that came into operation on 25 April 2026.

By the end of each financial year architects must provide written proof to the ARBV that they will be covered by the required insurance until 30 June of the following year in accordance with section 15A of the Act.

The ARBV conducts routine audits to ensure compliance with PII requirements are being met by architects. The ARBV’s Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) enables efficient auditing of compliance with insurance obligations.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements
Under section 15B of the Act architects must comply with prescribed continuing professional development (CPD) requirements and give written proof of compliance as required by the Board by the end of each financial year.

Under the Code that was in operation until 24 April 2026, architects were required to maintain their skills and knowledge. The ARBV recommended that this be achieved by complying with the National Framework for CPD adopted nationally by state and territory ARBs. The framework requires architects in the practising class to complete a set number of hours of CPD activities throughout the registration year. The CPD activities undertaken must reflect the performance criteria in the National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA).

With the introduction of the Architects Regulations 2026 (the Regulations), CPD requirements are now prescribed in the Regulations and architects must complete CPD as set in the Regulations. The requirements for CPD mirror the National Framework for CPD. If an architect fails to meet prescribed CPD requirements the ARBV may take
disciplinary action against them.

The ARBV monitors CPD compliance through an annual audit conducted after the renewal period to ensure CPD requirements are met. In the reporting period, the ARBV provided written advice on compliance under regulation 8 to 66 architects for non-compliance with their CPD obligations. This is recorded as disciplinary action on an architect's registration record.

Approval requirements for companies and partnerships
Under sections 12,13 and 14 of the Act, there are requirements for companies and partnerships providing architectural services to be approved. The ARBV monitors entities providing architectural services to ensure they comply with the approval requirements of the Act. This includes ensuring that where an architect is trading through a company (e.g. as reflected by their PII policy), that the company is approved.

The Act and the Code also require the registered director/partner of an approved company or partnership to be responsible for the carrying out of architectural services, and that those services are carried out by or under the supervision of a registered architect. This is an area that is increasingly being monitored by the ARBV to ensure compliance.

Registration renewal
Previously, registration as an architect was in perpetuity (i.e. did not expire). The Act was amended in August 2025 to align registration duration with the financial year. With registration now having an end date architects must annually submit a renewal application and meet renewal requirements for their registration to continue in force. If renewal requirements are not met within the timeframes set out in the legislation an architect may be subject to late fees or removal from the Register of Architects. The ARBV also has the power to refuse an application for renewal if it is not satisfied that renewal requirements have been met.

Renewal of registration application requirements for architects are set out in section 15AAD of the Act. An application must be accompanied by:

• payment of the prescribed renewal fee
• declaration relating to the fit and proper person (FPP) requirement
• declaration to confirm compliance with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements
• declaration to confirm compliance with required insurance requirements and providing proof of coverage to the ARBV.

With the changes to the duration of registration, non-practising architects must also complete renewal if they wish for their registration to continue in force. At renewal non-practising architects are not required to pay a renewal fee but they must make a declaration relating to their intention not to carry out work as an architect and a declaration relating to the FPP requirement.

Renewal of approval application requirements for companies and partnerships are set out in section 15AAE of the Act.

The ARBV actively communicates the annual renewal process to architects and the requirement to meet the due date for renewal applications, which is now 30 June.

Prior to the changes to the Act, the ARBV dealt with failures by registrants to pay annual fees by suspending their registration or approval under sections 15(2) and 15(3) of the Act. The ARBV suspended 19 registrants for non-payment of annual fees (representing 0.27% of registrants) during 2025-26. Going forward, non-payment of renewal fees and other failures to meet registration or approval requirements may result in the registrant’s application being refused.

Other registration activities
The registration function continues to deliver a range of services, including:

• Overseeing the accreditation processes administered by the AACA
• Embedding the NSCA into pre-registration programs and collaborating with the AACA and ARBs to implement improvements to preregistration and examination procedures and processes
• Delivering training to the ARBV’s APE Examiner Panel
• Working to increase registrations, particularly among persons who meet registration requirements but are not registered as architects
• Ensuring up to date communications about registration processes and that this information is available on the ARBV website
• Contributing content for the ARBV Update (newsletter) provided quarterly to registrants.

Registration and Architectural Practice Examination statistics

Spotlight on Complaints and Investigation

The Complaints and Investigation function is responsible for administering compliance obligations set out in the Architects Act 1991 (the Act) and its Regulations* to maintain the standards and integrity of the profession of architecture, protect consumer interests, and reinforce the importance of holding registration.

There are two key areas of regulatory activity undertaken by Complaints and Investigation:

• regulating the professional conduct of architects, approved partnerships and approved companies
• investigating and bringing proceedings for offences against the Act (known as ‘prohibited conduct’).

Regulating the professional conduct of architects and prohibited conduct is discussed in more detail below.

Risk-based approach and efficient and effective regulation

The ARBV’s Regulatory Strategy, which sets out a risk-based approach to regulation, helps guide the delivery of these functions and drive fair, consistent and robust decision-making. The risk-based approach contributes to the ARBV’s compliance and enforcement activity by:

• assisting in the triaging of complaints and referrals when they are first received so that they can be prioritised based on the relative risk of non-compliance assisting in the assessment of the risk
• associated with specific non-compliance under investigation to guide the appropriate regulatory response among those available for a particular instance of non-compliance with the regulatory framework.

The ARBV is also guided by the Minister’s Statement of Expectations, which requires the ARBV to improve efficiency and effectiveness in its regulation of architects.

Professional conduct of architects
Under the regulatory framework architects must be competent, demonstrate professional standards, not engage in unprofessional conduct and avoid other conduct that falls within a ground of disciplinary action under section 32 of the Act. This includes, but is not limited to, fulfilling the compliance obligations detailed in the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct (the Code) contained within the Regulations.

The Architects Regulations 2026 commenced on 25 April 2026, which amended the Code. The amendments to the Code included the adoption of a principles-based approach and also incorporated obligations from the Act to ensure that architects are aware that these form part of the applicable standards of professional conduct. Amendments were introduced to provide clarity on existing obligations and in some instances to promote consumer protection outcomes as informed by the ARBV’s complaints data and consultation feedback received by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).

The core principles of the Code are:

1. Objects of the code
2. Act in accordance with the law
3. Act in the public interest
4. Act with honesty, integrity and openness
5. Perform competently and with the required level of care, expertise and experience
6. Use clear and unambiguous client agreements
7. Be open and transparent about fees and costs
8. Provide services diligently and promptly
9. Communicate with clients effectively and promptly
10. Administer building contracts impartially and diligently
11. Maintain confidentiality
12. Manage conflicts of interest
13. Disclose referrals, recommendations and endorsements
14. Maintain adequate systems and resources
15. Documents and maintenance of records
16. Provide a complaint handling process
17. Co-operation with the Board.

The Code should be read in conjunction with the Act and the Regulations. A contravention of the Code may also be an offence under the Act and conduct that may not contravene the Code may still provide grounds for disciplinary action under the Act.

Complaint handling and investigation
Upon receiving a complaint, we assess the complaint to determine whether it is within the ARBV’s jurisdiction, namely whether it is about an architect’s professional conduct and/or fitness to practise, whether there is sufficient information to conduct an assessment and, if so, whether the conduct concerns a compliance obligation imposed on the architect under the regulatory framework. If the complaint is within the ARBV’s jurisdiction and there is sufficient information to assess the complaint, the ARBV may progress the complaint for investigation.

We investigate an architect’s professional conduct and/or fitness to practise to determine whether or not to refer the matter to the Architects Tribunal for inquiry or to determine that another regulatory action may be more appropriate in the circumstances. Such action may include the issuing of educative guidance, a formal written warning or written advice on compliance under regulation 8. It is also possible that the ARBV may determine that no regulatory action is warranted.

Further information about the Architects Tribunal can be found on page 31.

In 2025-26, our complaints and investigation data indicate that the most common issues concerning architects’ professional conduct related to the following issues:

• Failure to maintain required insurance
• Failure to meet continuing professional development requirements
• Poor design
• Inadequate design documentation
• Failure to perform with due skill, care or diligence.

Prohibited Conduct
The Act makes it an offence in Victoria for an unregistered person or unapproved business (company or partnership) to represent themselves as an architect or to allow someone else to represent them as an architect.

It is also an offence for an unregistered person or body to use the expressions “architectural services”, “architectural design services” or “architectural design” in relation to the design of buildings or the preparation of plans, drawings or specifications for buildings.

To represent oneself or be represented as an architect in Victoria, a person must be registered with the ARBV. The education and experience required for registration, coupled with professional conduct obligations and fit and proper person (FPP), continuing professional development (CPD) and professional indemnity insurance (PII) requirements, contribute towards maintaining the standards and integrity of the profession and providing consumer protection.

If a person or body is not registered with the ARBV, they are not an architect in Victoria and are in breach of the Act’s prohibited conduct provisions if they represent themselves or allow themselves to be represented as an architect.

When deciding whether published information may offend against the Act, the ARBV considers what overall impression is being created by that information. If, taking the circumstances and context into account, the information creates an overall impression that the person or business is an architect and/or provides the services of an architect when they are not a registered architect or an approved company or approved partnership, this is likely to offend against the Act.

While breaches of the Act’s prohibited conduct provisions may be prosecuted by the ARBV, the ARBV continues to experience significant success by engaging with those involved in prohibited conduct to provide them with an opportunity to voluntarily take action to address the conduct.

In 2025-26, 100% of cases where prohibited conduct was identified were closed after the conduct was voluntarily addressed.

KEY FOCUS AREAS IN 2025-26
Legislative amendments – development of new Code of Conduct

As mentioned previously, we devoted resources throughout 2025-26 to assist DTP in the development of the Architects Regulations 2026.

This included interrogation and analysis of complaints data to inform changes to the Regulations, and particularly the obligations imposed on architects by the Code. Some of the changes included:

• the requirement for architects to provide their clients with details of team members who will be carrying out work on their projects to ensure clients are clear about the identity and registration status of those undertaking the work.
• the requirement for copyright ownership and licensing of intellectual property related to a project to be clearly and unambiguously set out in client agreements.
• standards of conduct for architects in their professional dealings with other architects and professionals involved in the building industry.

Professional conduct – focus on registration obligations

We also focused on non-compliance by architects with registration obligations. Non-compliance was identified through audits and other proactive monitoring activities conducted throughout 2025-26. These activities resulted in assessments and investigations being conducted into 29 architects where it appeared that they had:

• failed to provide proof of the required PII, and/or
• failed to provide adequate proof of compliance with CPD obligations, or
• practised as an architect when registered in the non-practising class, or
• provided false information to the ARBV about their registration.

Most cases were closed after engagement with the architect resulted in voluntary compliance (i.e. the architect provided proof of PII, completed outstanding CPD requirements or changed class of registration, as applicable). In 3 cases, the architects were issued with written advice on compliance under regulation 8. In the case of 6 architects, the conduct was ongoing and/or of a nature or seriousness that resulted in the ARBV determining to conduct an inquiry into the architect’s professional conduct. These cases involved:

• 4 architects whose registration was immediately suspended for continued failure to provide proof of PII; and,
• 2 architects who appear to have made false declarations at renewal about the employer of one of the architects in order to claim that they were covered by the required insurance.

It is expected that the inquiries into the 6 architects referred to above will be held by the Architects Tribunal in the second and third quarters of 2026-27.

Prohibited conduct – focus on ‘holding out’ offences
Another focus during 2025-26 was on ‘holding out’ offences under the Act, where a person or body is falsely represented as being an architect or as providing the services of an architect in Victoria (as discussed earlier). During 2025-26, we engaged with 55 businesses who appeared to be falsely representing on websites and in social media that they were an architect or provided the services of an architect. Voluntary compliance was achieved in all 55 cases following our intervention, with the online representations being deleted or amended.

To support our compliance functions in this area, we developed a suite of guidance notes for the range of people and bodies who commonly offend against the holding out provisions in the Act, including:

• architects (e.g. by representing unregistered employees as architects or providing architectural services via an unapproved company or partnership)
• registered building designers and draftspersons
• people who own, run or manage a business that employs or engages building designers or draftspersons
• non-architect directors of approved companies and partnerships
• builders who provide in-house or design and construct services
• architecture degree holders and employers of architecture degree holders.

The guidance was published on the ARBV website in December 2025. The Building and Plumbing Commission agreed to provide a link to the materials to building designers.

Complaints and Investigation statistics

*8 assessments and 17 investigations were ongoing at the end of the reporting period.

Spotlight on Architects Tribunal

In accordance with Part 4 of Division 2 of the Architects Act 1991 (the Act), inquiries into the professional conduct and/or fitness to practise of architects are conducted by a tribunal constituted, as required from time to time, from a panel of suitably qualified people appointed by the Minister (Architects Tribunal). The Architects Tribunal constituted for an inquiry must comprise:

• one panel member who is a practising architect
• one panel member who is not an architect
• one panel member who is a representative of consumer interests.

At least one member of a Tribunal is to be a person with legal experience and knowledge.

The Architects Tribunal is independent of the ARBV. While the ARBV provides administrative assistance to the Architects Tribunal after a matter has been referred for inquiry, the ARBV is not a party to the inquiry. It is the Architects Tribunal’s role to consider the available evidence to determine any allegations that are to be put to the architect, to hold the inquiry and ultimately decide whether any grounds for disciplinary action under the Act has been made out, including whether:

• the architect has been careless or incompetent in their practice
• the professional standards of the architect are demonstrably lower than the standards which a competent architect should meet
• the architect is guilty of unprofessional conduct
• the architect has breached or failed to comply with any provision of the Act.

See section 32 of the Act for the complete list of grounds for disciplinary action.

If the Tribunal finds that a ground for disciplinary action has been proven, in accordance with section 32 of the Act, it may make determinations against the architect that include:

• caution
• reprimand
• require the architect to undertake further education of a kind, to be completed within a period stated
• impose a condition or limitation on the architect’s registration that relates to their practice
• impose a financial penalty
• suspend the architect’s registration
• cancel the architect’s registration.

The ARBV is responsible under section 35 of the Act for enforcing determinations made by the Tribunal.

An architect may apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a review of an Architects Tribunal determination concerning them.

Tribunal activity 2025-26
In 2025-26, 8 matters were referred to the Architects Tribunal. In addition, there were 14 matters already before the Architects Tribunal from previous reporting periods. A total of 6 inquiries were finalised in the financial year, with the Architects Tribunal making the following findings and determinations:

Case 1
The Architects Tribunal found that the architect had been convicted in Victoria of indictable offences, had knowingly made false statements to the ARBV that they had not been convicted or found guilty of an offence involving fraud, dishonesty, drug trafficking or violence in the last 10 years and, in doing so, was guilty of unprofessional conduct by:

• failing to maintain the standards and integrity of the profession of architecture
• failing to engender confidence in and respect for the profession of architecture.

The architect’s registration was suspended for three months. The architect was also cautioned, reprimanded and ordered to pay $12,000 in costs.

Case 2
The Architects Tribunal found that the architect was guilty of unprofessional conduct in that they attempted to reduce competition, induce others to contravene the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and failed to comply with the conditions of tender by sending an email to several architecture firms requesting that they refrain from submitting a tender in response to a public tender process.

The architect was cautioned and ordered to pay $5,000 in costs.

Case 3
The Architects Tribunal found that the architect was:

1. guilty of unprofessional conduct by:

• failing to comply with all applicable laws by contravening the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and Building Act 1993 by demolishing a dwelling subject to a heritage overlay without a planning or building permit
• failing to maintain the standards and integrity of the profession of architecture and failing to engender confidence in and respect for the profession of architecture by committing offences under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and Building Act 1993.

2. careless or incompetent in their practice by failing to apply for and obtain a planning permit, demolishing the dwelling without a permit, allowing another person to carry out work on an unsafe dwelling and providing that person with unclear instructions.

The architect’s registration was suspended for 6 months. They were also reprimanded, required to undertake further education and pay $45,000 in costs. The architect has applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review of the determination of the Tribunal.

Case 4
The Architects Tribunal found that the architect was guilty of unprofessional conduct in that they had failed to act with reasonable care in the provision of architectural services by failing to provide adequate design documentation for a decking roof and redesign of an ensuite.

The architect was reprimanded, required to undertake further education and pay $10,000 in costs. The architect has applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review of the determination of the Tribunal.

Case 5
The Architects Tribunal found that the architect was guilty of unprofessional conduct for providing architectural services without having entered into a written agreement with their client that complied with all the requirements of clause 4 of the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct.

The architect was cautioned and ordered to pay $8,972 in costs.

Case 6
The Architects Tribunal found that the architect was guilty of unprofessional conduct for providing architectural services without having entered into a written agreement with their client that complied with all the requirements of clause 4 of the Victorian Architects Code of Professional Conduct.

The architect was cautioned and ordered to pay $12,000 in costs.

Notices of the determinations made against the architects are recorded in the ARBV’s Register of Disciplinary Action after the relevant appeal timeframe has expired. Two architects have applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for review of the determination made by the Tribunal.

At 30 June 2026, there were 10 matters with the Tribunal which had not yet progressed through to hearing and 6 matters awaiting a determination to be made.

Spotlight on proactive regulatory program

Proactive regulatory program
The ARBV has completed the final year of its three-year Proactive Strategic Plan by implementing a range of proactive activities to:

• encourage voluntary compliance: through education and engagement
• detect non-compliance: through monitoring, intelligence-gathering and data mining and analysis
• anticipate and prevent non-compliance: through intelligence-gathering and data mining and analysis supplemented with thought leadership and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders to identify systemic risks and to prevent non-compliance from occurring.

The table below details the progress made on all the major activities implemented in Year 3 of the Plan. A range of foundational initiatives from Years 1 and 2 of the Plan have been fully operationalised and are now considered business as usual. The table below reports against the 7 categories of Education, Engagement, Thought Leadership, Profile Building, Intelligence Gathering, Data Mining & Analysis, and Legislative Reform.

ARBV Service Charter

The ARBV Service Charter sets out the standard of service people can expect to receive from the ARBV, including:

• how to contact us
• what you should do if you wish to make a complaint or provide feedback about your
  dealings with us
• how you can help us to help you
• our expected time frames for services provided.

Our service commitments

Responsiveness

• We will respond promptly to your enquiries through our phone and email service.
• We aim to respond to phone enquiries and emails within 3 business days and written correspondence within 10 working days.
• We will provide accurate and up to date information in response to enquiries.
• We will manage all registration applications efficiently and finalise complete and routine applications for registration within 6 weeks.
• We will keep complainants informed about the progress of their complaint and the expected timeframe for finalisation.
• We will acknowledge complaints about the ARBV within 3 days and respond to those complaints within 4 weeks.

Quality service

• We will give you clear and straightforward information about the ARBV, including information on how to register as an architect in Victoria, make an enquiry or complaint, or respond to a complaint.
• We will keep an up-to-date Register of Architects in Victoria.
• We will handle all complaints about the conduct of architects fairly and efficiently.
• We will keep you informed about the progress of your enquiry, application, or complaint.
• We will tailor our response to your accessibility needs where possible. We will provide linkages and referral to other government information relevant to your needs where reasonably practicable.

Confidentiality

• We will have systems in place to protect your confidential information.
• We will treat all information received in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

Transparency

• We will be open and transparent about our processes.
• We will provide consistent and clear information across our communication channels.
• Our staff and Board will disclose conflicts of interest and comply with the VPS codes of conduct.
• We will give you access to your personal information if you request it.
• We will publish clear and current information on our website.

Professionalism and Respect

• Our dealings with you will be conducted with integrity, honesty and respect.
• Our staff will be informative and helpful and responsive to feedback you may wish to provide.
• When you contact us, the person who responds to your enquiry will give you their name.
• We will be inclusive and treat every member of the public equally.
• We will endeavour to ensure we are accessible for those with disabilities and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Service Charter reporting

More than 10,000 enquiries were received and responded to in the 2025-26 financial year.

We have processes in place to track performance against service commitments.

We collect feedback from architects and consumers of architectural services throughout the year, and the data is reviewed to inform systems and process enhancements. It also provides valuable insights into key trends and issues to inform and guide the ARBV's Regulatory Strategy.

We responded to enquiries in accordance with the timelines set out in the ARBV Service Charter.

Spotlight on Financial Management

The information presented in the table below provides a financial summary for the ARBV’s financial performance over a 5-year period.

* Expenses from sponsorships and awards are included in the net result for the period.

Net result
The ARBV achieved a net surplus of $325,382 (2025: $153,937). This was an increase of $171,445 compared to 2024-25. The surplus for the current year exceeded budget by $295,111.

The surplus was partly due to changes in resource allocation in response to the Government’s announcement to consolidate the ARBV into a new Business and Professions Regulator. Some budgeted proactive initiatives were deprioritised due to the uncertainty of the ARBV’s future, and some resources were redirected to analysing the implications of the proposed reform for the regulatory oversight of architects. In addition, some vacant positions remained unfilled longer than anticipated resulting in employee expenses being less than budgeted. Unexpected adjournments and delays in some Architects Tribunal proceedings resulted in timing differences and lower Tribunal legal expenses than budgeted.

Sustaining an operating surplus is a critical financial strategy for the longer-term health of the organisation. Net assets have risen to $2.11 million (2025: $1.78 million) and underpin the organisation’s financial viability and provide capacity to address emerging issues, new opportunities and asset replacements.

Income
Total income from transactions for 2025-26 was $3.91 million, an increase of $0.17 million (2025: $3.73 million) and included an additional $0.17 million from annual registration fees. This was primarily due to an increase in indexation (CPI), as fixed by the Victorian Government, in the applicable fees for registered architects, companies and partnerships for the period commencing 1 July 2025.

A breakdown of the major income sources is shown below. This highlights the ARBV’s reliance on registration fees to support the funding of services and other business activities.

Expenses
Total expenditure from transactions for 2025-26 was $3.59 million, an increase of $0.02 million from the previous year (2025: $3.57 million). A breakdown of expenditure by the ARBV is shown below.

Financial position – Balance Sheet
The ARBV’s financial position is demonstrated by net assets which increased in 2025-26 by the reported net result of $0.33 million to $2.11 million (2025: $1.78 million). Net assets at 30 June 2026 includes $5.51 million in cash and deposits and $0.62 million in non-financial assets. Total assets of $6.19 million are partially offset by $0.35 million in payables and $2.97 million in contract liabilities (unearned income for 2026-27 registration fees) and $0.76 million in other liabilities.

Capital expenditure
There was no capital expenditure, exceeding $5,000 for the year (2025: nil). Minor asset purchases amounted to $12,098. In line with the ARBV’s policy, minor asset purchases under $5,000 are expensed in the year of purchase.

Significant changes or factors affecting performance
There were no significant changes or factors affecting the ARBV’s performance during the reporting period.

Subsequent events
As at the date of signing the annual Financial Statements there were no subsequent events requiring disclosure.

ARBV Board

The ARBV Board is responsible for performing statutory decision-making functions and powers conferred by the Architects Act 1991 (the Act) and the Architects Regulations 2026. The ARBV Board also provides leadership, strategic guidance and policy direction in addition to overseeing implementation of policies and initiatives.

The Board consists of 7 members appointed by the Governor in Council. Five members are architects and collectively, the members of the Board have the skills, knowledge or experience specified in section 47(b) of the Act, including demonstrated experience in a leadership role within the building industry. The terms of the current Board members expire on 30 June 2027.

The Board membership of the ARBV on 30 June 2025 was as follows:

• Dr Giorgio Marfella, PhD, M.Arch (Chairperson)
• Sally Brincat, M.Arch (Prac), GAICD (Deputy Chairperson)
• Michael Leeton, B.Arch (Hon), FRAIA
• Mark Curry, B.AppSc (Met), BSW, GAICD
• Tim Leslie, B.Arch (Hon), B.AppSc (environmental design)
• Lorina Nervegna, B.Arch
• Yana Podolskaya, B.Legal Studies, LLB.

Directors who resigned prior to 30 June 2026 were as follows:

• Prof Sarah McGann, PhD. B.ArchSc, Dip.Arch, FRAII (Ireland).

During the year the Board was assisted by the Remuneration and Organisation Development Committee. The Board is also responsible for constituting Tribunals to conduct inquiries into architects’ fitness to practise or professional conduct drawn from the independent Architects Tribunal appointed by the Minister. The Act prohibits a person being concurrently a member of the ARBV Board and the Architects Tribunal.

CEO/Registrar

The Board appoints a Registrar to deliver the operations of the organisation in accordance with the agreed strategy. Dr Glenice Fox, SJD, LLB, BA, Grad Cert in Dispute Resolution has occupied the role of CEO/Registrar since February 2021.

Board Committees

Remuneration and Organisation Development Committee The purpose of the Remuneration and Organisation Development Committee is to assist the Board to fulfil its obligations relating to remuneration, organisation development and human resource policy and related matters, including the management of the CEO/Registrar’s contract and performance review. The Committee fulfilled its purpose during the reporting period.

Members of the Remuneration and Organisation Development Committee during the year were Dr Giorgio Marfella (Chairperson), Sally Brincat (Deputy Chairperson) and Mark Curry.

Exemption from the requirement to have an Audit and Risk Committee and Internal Audit function for 2025-26

As a Victorian Public Entity, the ARBV must comply with the requirements of Standing Directions 2018 under the Financial Management Act 1994 (the FMA).

Since 1 July 2023 the ARBV has been granted exemptions from the requirements under clauses 3.2.1. and 3.2.2 of the Standing Directions 2018 to have an Audit and Risk Committee and Internal Audit function. By agreement with the Department of Treasury and Finance the partial exemptions from Standing Directions under the FMA granted by the Assistant Treasurer continued in place for the 2025-26 year. This was based on the ARBV continuing to have appropriate alternative arrangements in place and remains subject to annual confirmation before the end of May each year.

The primary function of the Audit and Risk Committee was to assist the Board to fulfil its statutory obligations relating to the FMA and associated Standing Directions 2018 issued by the Assistant Treasurer under section 8 of the FMA. This function was subsumed by the Board with effect from 1 July 2023. Four Board meetings held during the year are focused on fulfilling the Board’s audit and risk obligations.

The following audit and risk responsibilities were subsumed by the Board:

• reviewing the effectiveness of the ARBV’s internal control environment, covering effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• reviewing the annual financial statements
• reviewing the information in the report of operations on financial management, performance and sustainability
• reviewing the rolling 3-year audit and review plan and ensure resources are adequate and used effectively, including co-ordination with external auditors
• maintaining effective communication with external auditors, consider recommendations arising from internal audits or made by external auditors and review the implementation of actions to resolve issues raised, and
• overseeing the effective operation of the risk management framework.

Board and Committee Meeting Attendances

Number of meetings attended/eligible to attend in 2025-26

Note: In addition to Board meetings a Strategic Planning day and a half day Regulatory Strategy workshop were held in 2025-26.

Workforce data

The ARBV employed 11 staff (9.2 full time equivalent) on 30 June 2026, compared to 13 staff (10.8 full time equivalent) on 30 June 2025. Appendix 1 provides further details about the ARBV’s employment levels in June 2025 and June 2026.

Employees have been correctly classified in workforce data collections. All employees, except the CEO/Registrar, are covered by the ARBV Enterprise Agreement.

Employment and conduct principles

The ARBV Enterprise Agreement 2024 is linked to the Victorian Public Service (VPS) Enterprise Agreement 2024 through a nexus agreement. As such, it is closely tied to the VPS agreement and adopts many of its provisions. The ARBV largely aligns its employee relations practices with the VPS, taking account of relevant policies, procedures, and values that reflect public sector employment principles. Employment decisions at the ARBV, including recruitment, probationary periods, and performance assessments, are consistent with these principles.

Occupational Health & Safety

We are committed to providing and maintaining a work environment which secures the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and other visitors. We believe that a well-managed program which focuses on both physical and psychological health and wellbeing is an integral part of good management practice.

We are committed to the principles of health, safety and employee welfare protections set out in relevant Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws, the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025, and the ARBV Enterprise Agreement 2024 and seek to ensure employees work in an environment which is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to physical health and psychosocial wellbeing.

The ARBV’s target for 2025-26 was for zero OHS incidents leading to claims which was achieved. No incidents, hazards or near misses or lost time were reported during the 2025-26 year.

The Occupational Health and Safety policy reflect that supporting psychosocial wellbeing and eliminating hazards has the same importance as addressing physical risks in the workplace and provides clarity on determining ‘what is reasonably practicable’ accommodation.

We offered various OHS-related activities to employees this year, which aimed to mitigate the risks associated with health, safety and wellbeing. These included:

• an influenza vaccination program
• an employee assistance program
• provision of various onsite health checks such as skin checks, ergonomic advice and heart health assessments
• a focus on monitoring ongoing staff health and wellbeing.

The ARBV’s Workcover premium rate at the completion of 2025-26 was 0.95%. The premium rate has been adjusted to account for a better than average performance rating. The ARBV’s performance rating of 0.95 was 2.07% better than the industry average.

Workforce Inclusion

We strive to provide an inclusive working environment to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their best. Due to our size the ARBV does not have formal plans or strategies in place, for example Gender Equality Action Plan or an Aboriginal Employment Plan or targets for gender diverse staff, as adopted by larger public sector organisations.

Local Jobs First Act 2003

The Local Jobs First Act 2003 introduced in August 2018 requires Departments and public sector bodies to apply the Local Job first policy in all projects valued at $3 million or more in Metropolitan Melbourne or for state-wide projects, or $1 million or more for projects in regional Victoria.

There were no procurements initiated by the ARBV in 2025-26 falling within the provisions of the Local Jobs First Policy.

Social procurement

The ARBV is a very small agency and whilst it remains conscious of its obligations under the State Government’s Social Procurement Framework, it is difficult for the entity to generate meaningful social value given the limited annual expenditure budget for goods and services, and the nature of goods and services acquired over the course of the year.

Government advertising expenditure

The ARBV did not undertake a government advertising campaign in 2025-26.

Declarations of private interests

All ARBV Board members and the Accountable Officer have completed a declaration of private interests.

Disclosure of major contracts

The ARBV did not enter into any major contracts valued at $10 million or above during 2025-26.

Consultancy expenditure

Details of consultancies (valued at $10,000 or greater)

In 2025-26, there were three consultancies where the total fees payable to the consultants were $10,000 or greater (excl. GST). The total expenditure incurred during 2025-26 in relation to these consultancies was $51,860 (excl. GST). Details of individual consultancies are outlined in the table below.

Details of consultancies under $10,000

In 2025-26 there were 12 consultancies engaged during the year where the total fees payable to the individual consultancies were less than $10,000. The total expenditure incurred during 2025-26 in relation to these consultancies was $35,079 (excl. GST).

Information and communication technology (ICT) expenditure

For the 2025‑26 reporting period, the ARBV had a total ICT expenditure of $465,023 with the details shown below.

ICT expenditure refers to the ARBV’s costs in providing business enabling ICT services within the current reporting period. It comprises BAU and Non-BAU ICT expenditure. Non-BAU ICT expenditure relates to extending or enhancing the ARBV’s current ICT capabilities. BAU ICT expenditure is all remaining ICT expenditure that primarily relates to ongoing activities to operate and maintain the current ICT capability.

Reviews and studies expenditure

During 2025-26, there were two reviews and studies undertaken with a total cost of $31,522. Details of individual reviews and studies are outlined in the table below.

Freedom of Information Act 1982

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) allows the public a right of access to documents held by the ARBV, including documents created by the ARBV or supplied to the ARBV by an external organisation or individual.

Information about the type of material produced by the ARBV is available on the ARBV’s website under its Part II Information Statement.

The FOI Act allows the ARBV to refuse access, either fully or partially, to certain documents or information. Examples of documents that may not be accessed include but are not limited to cabinet documents; some internal working documents; law enforcement documents; documents covered by legal professional privilege, such as legal advice; personal information about other people; and information provided to the ARBV in-confidence.

Under the FOI Act, the FOI processing time for requests is 30 days. However, when external consultation is required under subsections 29, 29A, 31, 31A. 33, 34 or 35, the processing time is 45 days. Processing time may also be extended by periods of 30 days, in consultation with the applicant. With the applicant’s agreement this may occur any number of times. However, obtaining an applicant’s agreement for an extension cannot occur after the expiry of the timeframe for deciding a request.

If an applicant is not satisfied with a decision made by the ARBV, under section 49A of the FOI Act, they have the right to seek a review by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC) within 28 days of receiving a decision letter.

During 2025-26, the ARBV received 3 FOI applications.

Making a request
FOI requests can be lodged in writing to the ARBV via email or post. An application fee of $34.50 applies (as of 1 July 2026). Access charges may also be payable if the document pool is large, and the search for material, time-consuming.

Access to documents can also be obtained through a written request to the ARBV as detailed in section 17 of the FOI Act.

Requests for documents in the possession of the ARBV should be addressed to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Architects Registration Board of Victoria
Level 10, 533 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000
or registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au

Further information
Further information regarding the operation and scope of FOI can be obtained from the FOI Act; regulations made under the FOI Act; and ovic.vic.gov.au. The ARBV’s Part II statement can be found on our website.

Competitive Neutrality Policy

Competitive neutrality requires government businesses to ensure where services compete, or potentially compete with the private sector, any advantage arising solely from their government ownership is removed if it is not in the public interest. Government businesses are required to cost and price these services as if they were privately owned. Competitive neutrality policy supports fair competition between public and private businesses and provides government businesses with a tool to enhance decisions on resource allocation. This policy does not override other policy objectives of government and focuses on efficiency in the provision of service.

The ARBV continues to comply with the requirements on competitive neutrality reporting as required under the Competition Principles Agreement and Competition and Infrastructure Reform Agreement.

Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012

The Public Interest Disclosures Act 2012 (PID Act) encourages and assists people in making disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies. The PID Act provides protection to people who make disclosures in accordance with the PID Act and establishes a system for the matters disclosed to be investigated and rectifying action to be taken.

The ARBV recognises the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices and supports making disclosures that reveal improper conduct involving a substantial mismanagement of public resources, or conduct involving a substantial risk to public health and safety or the environment. It does not tolerate improper conduct by the organisation, its employees, officers or board members, or taking detrimental action in reprisal against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.

The ARBV will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure. It will also afford natural justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure to the extent it is legally possible.

Reporting procedures
The ARBV is not able to receive public interest disclosures.

A disclosure under the PID Act about improper conduct of, or detrimental action, taken in reprisal for a public interest disclosure by the ARBV or its Board members, officers or employees should be made in writing to:

Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC)
Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Mail: IBAC, GPO Box 24234, Melbourne Victoria 3001
Phone: 1300 735 135
Internet: www.ibac.vic.gov.au
Email: See the website above for the secure email disclosure process, which also provides for anonymous disclosures.

Building Act 1993

The ARBV does not own or control any government buildings and consequently is exempt from notifying its compliance with the building and maintenance provisions of the Building Act 1993.

Disability Act 2006

The Disability Act 2006 under Section 38 requires that public sector bodies prepare and implement Disability Action Plans to reduce barriers to persons with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities and reduce barriers to persons with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment.

The ARBV is committed to making reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability to ensure an inclusive and disability equitable workplace and accessible services.

The ARBV’s Service Charter provides that the ARBV will be accessible for those with disabilities and will tailor communications to accessibility needs where possible.

Web content can be difficult for users with a disability to navigate and process. The ARBV follows the accessibility standards for vic.gov.au in relation to content on the ARBV website. The ARBV also provides multiple channels of communication to assist with access to and delivery of services. These measures help to ensure people with disabilities have the same access to information and services as others in the community.

Office-based environmental impacts

The ARBV is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting awareness and participation amongst its employees. The emphasis on electronic document management and a “paperlite” approach is reducing paper and storage. Board papers are produced and distributed electronically via a dedicated portal and the end-to-end registration process is completely online via the ARBV Portal.

Disclosure of Emergency Procurement

In 2025-26 the ARBV was not required to activate any Emergency Procurement resulting in Nil spending on emergency procurement.

Disclosure of procurement complaints

Under the Governance Policy of the Victorian Government Purchasing Board (VGPB), the ARBV must disclose any formal complaints relating to the procurement of goods and services received through its procurement complaints management system. The ARBV did not receive any formal complaints relating to procurement.

Additional information available on request

In compliance with the requirements of the Standing Directions 2018 of the Minister for Finance, details in respect of the items listed below, where applicable to the ARBV, have been retained and are available on request, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1982:

• details of publications produced by the ARBV about itself, and how these can be obtained
• details of major research undertaken by the ARBV
• details of major promotional, public relations and marketing activities undertaken by the ARBV to develop community awareness of the entity and its services
• details of changes in prices, fees, charges, rates and levies charged
• a statement on industrial relations within the ARBV
• details of all consultancies and contractors, including consultants/contractors engaged, services provided, and expenditure committed for each engagement.

The information is available on request from:
Registrar, ARBV
Level 10, 533 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000 or registrar@arbv.vic.gov.au

Statement of availability of other information available on request

Details of the following items have been included in the ARBV’s annual report, on the pages indicated below:

• a list of the ARBV’s major committees, the purposes of each committee, and the extent to which the purposes have been achieved (on pages 42-43)
• assessments and measures undertaken to improve the occupational health and safety of employees (on page 46).

Information that is not applicable to the ARBV

The following information is not relevant to the ARBV for the reasons set out below:

• declaration of shares held by senior officers (no shares have ever been issued in the ARBV)
• details of overseas visits undertaken (no ARBV members or senior executives took overseas work-related trips)
• details of any major external reviews carried out on the ARBV (no major external reviews undertaken)
• details of major development activities undertaken by the ARBV (no major development activities undertaken).

DataVIC Access Policy

The ARBV discloses information online and via printed publications. It also provides information services in person and/or by phone, annual report and website.

The attached financial statements for the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV) have been prepared in accordance with Direction 5.2 of the Standing Directions of the Assistant Treasurer under the Financial Management Act 1994, applicable Financial Reporting Directions, Australian Accounting Standards including Interpretations, and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

Financial management compliance attestation statement

Financial statement

Appendix 2: Disclosure Index

Appendix 3: Acronyms