This is my first column as your National President and I think it relevant that I look both to the past and to the future in that our strategic plan that has set the direction of the institute over the past 5 years in approaching its sunset and next month we commence working towards the 2010-2015 strategic plan - strengthened by the achievements that we have made through the existing document and confident in the prospects that the future holds for us.

We are also going through a period of "changing of the guard" with the retirement of Terry Sanders and the appointment of Terry Aulich as his successor.

On behalf of the membership I welcome Terry Aulich to the team and thank Terry Sanders for the leadership he has shown to the AIQS and its membership over the past 13 years.

When Terry joined us in 1996 the industry was witnessing the demise of a strongly unionised environment and was coming to terms with the recommendations of the Cole report.  We were also experiencing cutbacks in the various public works departments as these entities were either restructured or broken up into other departments.

The AIQS was well-placed to meet the challenges back then and I believe that it is even better placed now to meet the challenges of the future.
The current global financial crisis has seen many major projects put on hold both here and overseas. But in a global perspective Australia has weathered the storm better than many other countries and while it may be a good two years before we see a sustained recovery we can be confident in the knowledge that our profession has continued to gain strength in recent times.

The articles in this issue of the Building Economist portray an innovative and vibrant industry and our employment report highlights the opportunities available for firms seeking to recruit.

In closing, can I say that I am looking forward to working with your national council, the national office staff and the AIQS membership to build on the strengths that we have gained to take the Institute into a positive and rewarding future.

Trevor Sanders FAIQS
National President