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Where We Stand in 2026

15 February, 2026

As we move into 2026, Australian Drilling Industry Association (ADIA) President Tim Westcott makes one thing clear in the latest Australasian Drilling: The drilling industry is stronger — not by chance, but by deliberate action. Over the past year, ADIA has focused on four core pillars:

  • Advocacy backed by evidence
  • Financial discipline
  • Training that builds real capability
  • Long-term sustainability of the industry

The release of the Economic Impact of Drilling in Australia report has fundamentally changed how decision-makers view drilling — not as an afterthought, but as an enabling industry across mining, water, construction, agriculture and energy. But one theme stands out above all: We’ve spent too long training for compliance instead of training for capability. That’s now changing. ADIA is working with the National Uniform Drillers Licensing Committee to align licensing with nationally recognised qualifications — ensuring demonstrated capability comes before certification.

In parallel, the review of the drilling training package with AUSMASA aims to simplify pathways, strengthen core competencies and ensure training reflects how drilling is actually carried out on site. The message is clear: Professionalism is not a checkbox. It’s built deliberately. The year ahead isn’t about starting again. It’s about building on solid foundations and turning them into lasting outcomes for members and the broader industry.

Drilling’s role in Australia’s future is increasingly recognised — and the industry’s responsibility now is to match that recognition with capability.

Read the full article in the Australasian Drilling Magazine