Australia's Most Trusted Professions 2011

Bob's comments are interesting, in that they define him as a self deluding snob. There are very few people who work without self-interest. Also just because one has codes of conduct and is self-regulating means nothing. Often it is only through external regulation that a group is held to the highest standards. Self-regulation is often a smokescreen for cover-ups and back patting. I would also say that 'trades' have become, in all of his rather random definitions, much more professional. Bob is just a snob.

Yes, as an engineer I am disappointed that nobody realizes that they put their lives in the hands of engineers every day. I guess when you do something right nobody knows whether you did any thing at all. The next time your car stays on the road or plane stays in the sky don't go thanking a Farmer. When a building or bridge doesn't collapse on you don't give the accountant the credit. When you get home and all your appliances haven't all spontaneously caught fire and your microwave and iPhone don't blow up in your face don't thank the plumber. PS: Medical devices and pharmaceuticals also don't grow on trees. They need technology and we now all know where that comes from by now don't we? And no it's not from scientists. Think engin....s.

I find the interpretation of a 'profession' interesting in this list. One definition of a professional is someone who gets paid to do what they do (e.g. professional vs amateur sportspeople). Another is someone who has a unique body of knowledge, gained usually from some sort of higher education. A third, and the one I prefer, is someone that has a unique body of knowledge, who works within a framework of self-regulation through professional 'codes of conduct', who acts with autonomy in their decision making, and who acts usually without self-interest for their clients. These latter requirements distinguish a 'profession' from a 'trade' (who clearly have a unique body of knowledge). Applying this to the list, it appears to be largely made up of 'trades' rather than true 'professionals'.

There are only two professions the law and medicine

It is sad that your list does not contain the very persons who have enable every other profession to carry out thier work. ENGINEERS. I was once surprised when a school teacher asked me what an Engineer does. Everything around us has been designed and certified by an Engineer. yet there is no recognition for the profession at all. Or is it the case this profession is too complicated for Aussies to comprehend and require foreigners to bring that expertise? Buildings, Power, Water, Computers, all Industres, Transport, communications, etc. etc. are creation of Engineers yet there is not a single mention of us.