The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) congratulates the Albanese Government on its re-election, calling for construction productivity to be placed front and centre of the national agenda.
ACA CEO Jon Davies said the result offers a golden opportunity to drive lasting reform in one of Australia's most vital industries.
"This election was fought on cost of living, but without fixing construction productivity, the price of homes, infrastructure and essential services will keep climbing—and living standards will keep falling," said Mr Davies.
"Construction is the engine room of the economy. Close the productivity gap and you ease labour shortages, lower building costs and take pressure off everyday Australians."
ACA is ready to keep working with government on key initiatives already underway.
"The Department of Infrastructure is leading work on a National Construction Strategy to lift productivity in transport infrastructure projects," said Mr Davies.
"At the same time, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is progressing a Blueprint for a more sustainable and productive sector through the National Construction Industry Forum."
Central to the Blueprint is the Culture Standard—a framework developed by ACA with the NSW and Victorian Governments to improve diversity, wellbeing and work-life balance in the industry. With proven results from pilot projects, it is time for national rollout.
"There's now a real opportunity to reshape the sector for the better," said Mr Davies. "This includes rebalancing industrial relations to support a more productive, more sustainable and more collaborative industry."
"The ACA is ready to play a constructive role in delivering meaningful change. We can't afford to let this opportunity slip."
About us:
The Australian Constructors Association is the only representative body for contractors delivering vertical and horizontal construction projects, as well as undertaking infrastructure asset management. Our members construct and service the majority of major infrastructure projects built in Australia every year. Our goal is to create a more sustainable construction industry.
