Australian construction industry leaders commit to change at inaugural forum

The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) recently hosted the Foundations and Frontiers (FF24) forum, bringing together leaders from across the construction industry to address significant challenges facing the sector.

Key points:

The forum united major industry associations, government representatives, union heads, and stakeholders from various parts of the sector.
Polling revealed the biggest challenges facing the industry are poor culture (31.5%), lack of productivity (31.5%), and lack of financial sustainability (17.8%).
Attendees believe the government should focus on procuring based on best value, not lowest cost (37%), and ensuring fair allocation of project risk (29.3%).
The Hon Catherine King MP addressed the development of a new Federal Funding Agreement with the States, emphasizing the need to increase women’s participation in the industry.
Tom Gellibrand of Infrastructure NSW discussed plans to build on the 10 Commitments to the Construction Industry published in 2018.
Union representatives highlighted the importance of job certainty, upskilling workers, and fostering better communication between unions and employers.
75 industry leaders signed a communique recognizing the industry’s challenges and agreeing to increase collaboration.

Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association, said:

“Foundations and Frontiers 24 was conceived over a year ago, but the events of the last few weeks provide a once in a generation opportunity to accelerate the pace of change and finally create a more sustainable construction industry for the benefit of workers, employers and all Australians.”

Davies emphasized that the forum was designed to start a movement for change, focusing on improving industry culture, diversity, productivity, and profitability.

The event marks a significant step towards addressing longstanding issues in Australia’s construction sector, with industry leaders committing to collaborative efforts for positive change.