- Damien Long and Matthew Byrne appointed Chair and Deputy Chair of Building and Construction Industry QLeave Board.
- They join six other appointees to the board, who each bring extensive experience across the building and construction industry.
- Strong QLeave leadership will ensure workers entitlements are protected.
The Crisafulli Government has announced Damien Long and Matthew Byrne as Chair and Deputy Chair, respectively, of the Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Authority QLeave Board.
Mr Long has extensive experience in the industry, having been on the Board since 2016, with more than 30 years' construction experience in earthworks, road works, structural engineering, residential and industrial subdivision construction and project management. Mr Long is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Contractors Federation Queensland.
Mr Byrne brings more than 30 years' experience in property and construction and has previously served as an Executive Committee Member on the Sunshine Coast 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure Committee, Branch President of the Urban Development Industry Australia and Committee member of the Queensland Property Council Australia.
Mr Long and Mr Byrne will commence a three-year term as Chair and Deputy Chair from 10 November 2025 and join six other appointees to the Board of Directors:
- Penelope Cornah (reappointed) – Master Plumbers' Association
- Sue-Ann Fresneda (reappointed) – Master Builders Queensland
- Kate Raymond – Master Electricians Australia
- Emma McCaughey – National Association of Women in construction
- Jeremy Minahan – Complex Electrical Group
- Amanda Bulow – Awesome Women in Construction
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations, Jarrod Bleijie, said the new appointments would bring a fresh start to the board as Queensland entered one of the most significant periods in infrastructure delivery.
"We're entering a defining chapter for Queensland as we deliver infrastructure that will not only support the 2032 Games but leave a lasting legacy for communities right across the state," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"The next seven years will be critical for the sector as we restore productivity, rebuild confidence, and deliver the legacy defining infrastructure that will shape our state for generations to come.
"Appointing industry leaders with vast experience and proven capability ensures the Authority is equipped to guide the sector through this period of significant opportunity and reform.
"We're also proud that the Board reflects the growing presence of women in the construction sector. Having strong female representation on the Board sends a clear message that women have an important and valued role to play in the future of the construction industry in Queensland.
"The Board's insights and expertise will be vital as the Crisafulli Government works to protect workers entitlements while focusing on red tape reduction, boosting industry capability and restoring productivity right across the construction pipeline."
The Building and Construction Industry (Portable Long Service Leave) Act 1991 (the Act) establishes a scheme for the portability of long service leave for workers in the building and construction industry.
The Board plays an important role including providing advice and recommendations to the Deputy Premier on issues affecting the provision of long service leave in the building and construction industry and the operation of the Act.
