Architects’ reactions to the 2015 federal budget were quite moderate and mixed in comparison to last year’s very negative budget responses, according to a survey by the Association of Consulting Architects Australia (ACA).
In 2014 almost 70 percent of respondents said they thought the federal budget would have a negative impact on the wider profession, and more than 60 percent said the budget would have a negative effect on their practice.
By comparison, under 10 percent of the respondents in 2015 said the budget would have a negative impact on their practice, while more than 60 percent said that the budget would either have no effect, or both positive and negative effects.
A results comparison shows the dramatic change between 2014 and 2015.
Image: Courtesy of the Association of Consulting Architects Australia
Comments made by respondents provided more insight into the mixed results, with many making positive comments about the tax deductions for small businesses, but some criticizing what they perceived as an absence of long-term vision.
“I will take the opportunity to replace some obsolete items of equipment to take advantage of the immediate tax deduction benefit,” said one respondent among many who commented on the tax benefits for practices that classify as small businesses.
Others took a broader approach – “We are a small business, hence will benefit from the reduced company tax rate and opportunity to write off equipment purchases. On the downside, continuing lack of leadership on the environment, housing and transport will continue to erode the profession’s reputation and ability to make positive contributions.”
The questions in the survey covered topics from how respondents thought the budget would impact on individual practices to the impact they thought it would have on the broader Australian society. They were also asked about the location and size of their practices, the type of work they do and how their practice responds to changes in the economy.
Interestingly, results from a question asking respondents to reflect on how the 2014 budget did affect their practice showed that under 50 percent said it had had a negative impact.
Around 100 practices participated in the survey.
To view the full results, click here. To view in-depth analysis by John Held, president of the ACA South Australia branch, click here.
