At Sundstrom Recruitment, we recently surveyed HSEQ professionals across Australia to better understand how they view their careers – their challenges, ambitions, and outlook for the future. The results reveal a workforce that’s optimistic about the profession but hungry for growth, balance, and better support. Here is the full report.

A Confident but Cautious Workforce

While confidence in the future of HSEQ remains high, many professionals are reassessing their current roles. Over half of respondents said they’re considering a move in the next 12 months – a clear sign of growing mobility in the market.
The reasons? A mix of practical and personal: salary expectations, work-life balance, and leadership culture topped the list.

This isn’t dissatisfaction – it’s ambition. Professionals are seeking environments that offer genuine growth, recognition, and flexibility – not just compliance and routine.

The Development Gap

Leadership and professional development emerged as the biggest gaps in current roles. Many respondents said they lack clear career pathways, constructive feedback, or access to training that builds both technical and leadership capability.

When asked what they want to focus on next, leadership and people skills ranked highest, followed by technical HSEQ expertise and digital systems. The takeaway? HSEQ professionals want to evolve with the industry – and they value employers who invest in that evolution.

Where the Opportunities Are

The survey showed that Western Australia remains the heartland of HSEQ talent, driven by mining, resources, and construction. Salaries reflect this maturity – nearly 70% of respondents earn above $140,000, highlighting the high value placed on skilled professionals in safety-critical industries.

But with this value comes competition. Employers who offer clearer progression, smarter systems, and stronger leadership engagement are far more likely to retain top performers.

What’s Keeping Professionals Up at Night

When it comes to broader concerns, three themes stood out:

• Skills shortages across all levels
• Compliance and administrative burden
• Leadership and engagement gaps

Despite these pressures, more than 80% of respondents said they feel confident or very confident about the future of HSEQ. It’s a profession that continues to grow in strategic importance – not just protecting people, but driving culture and performance across Australian industry.

The Bottom Line

The Australian HSEQ community is strong, skilled, and forward-thinking – but it’s also at a turning point.
For professionals, now is the time to clarify what you want next: growth, flexibility, and a culture that values your impact.
For employers, the message is clear: invest in your people, or risk losing them.