Construction industry leaders commit to reform at inaugural forum

Leaders from across Australia’s construction industry have pledged to work together to address major challenges facing the sector at the first-ever Foundations and Frontiers forum.

The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) hosted the event, which brought together representatives from industry associations, governments, unions and other stakeholders.

Polling at the forum highlighted poor culture, lack of productivity and financial sustainability as the biggest issues confronting the industry.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King addressed the development of a new funding agreement with states aimed at supporting Australian businesses, developing skills and improving the sector’s culture.

Minister King emphasized the need to increase female participation in construction, which currently stands at just 12%.

“Minister King highlighted the importance of increasing the number of women in the construction industry, especially given the current workforce shortages,” the ACA said in a statement.

Tom Gellibrand, CEO of Infrastructure NSW, discussed plans to build on the state’s previous commitments to the industry by developing new partnership principles.

Union leaders also participated, focusing on improving productivity through job certainty, upskilling workers and fostering better collaboration with employers.

The forum concluded with 75 industry leaders signing a communique acknowledging the sector’s economic importance and agreeing to increase cooperation to overcome challenges.

ACA CEO Jon Davies said the timing of the inaugural forum was opportune given recent events in the industry.

“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,” Mr Davies said.

He described the forum as the start of a “movement for change” in the construction sector.

The ACA plans to make Foundations and Frontiers an annual event focused on driving outcomes for the industry.