Welcome to this edition of e-chronicle, which focuses on the “Voice of the Industry”, and ALGA’s role in supporting constructive advocacy across the contaminated land and groundwater sector.
For many of us, the clock starts again on 1 July 2026. The end of the financial year is always a busy period, and I want to acknowledge the work that goes into renewals, committee appointments, branch planning and the many other activities that help set the Association up for the year ahead.
Advocacy is not about taking a loud position for its own sake. It is about helping the industry speak clearly, constructively and with technical credibility. It is about bringing together practitioners, technical specialists, researchers, regulators and other stakeholders so that different perspectives are considered before decisions are made. ALGA acts as a trusted conduit between the people doing the work and the agencies developing policy, regulation and guidance.
Across Australia and New Zealand, there is a continuing need to support good communication between industry and regulators. We welcome opportunities to provide feedback on guidance documents, identify areas where greater clarity would assist, and contribute to discussions about what good practice looks like. These conversations help fill gaps, improve understanding and support more consistent outcomes for the community and the environment.
The recent release of the ALGA Advocacy summary in the Member Resource Centre is intended to make this work more visible to members. It provides a clearer view of advocacy activity being undertaken on behalf of the Association and highlights the important role members play in shaping this work through their expertise, judgement and willingness to contribute.
The Board remains committed to ensuring the industry has a strong and constructive voice. That includes supporting our Specialist Interest Groups, Branches and Committees, promoting the work being delivered across the sector, and creating opportunities for regulators, practitioners and other stakeholders to engage in informed discussion.
As we look ahead to the next 12 months, there is no shortage of issues for the industry to consider. ALGA’s role is to help bring the right people together, support informed discussion and provide a voice that is practical, evidence based and constructive.
I hope you enjoy this edition.
Matt Potter, CEO