Draft Blueprint for future of construction industry released

In an historic step forward for the Australian construction industry, representatives of construction firms, workers and government have agreed to release a draft blueprint for the industry's future for consultation.

In October last year, members of the Albanese Government’s tripartite National Construction Industry Forum (NCIF) unanimously agreed to develop a Blueprint setting a course for long-term improvements in the construction industry.

The construction industry is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy and prosperity. It provides jobs for millions of Australians and delivers the homes we live in, the schools our children attend, the hospitals that care for us, and the roads and railways that connect us.

The draft Blueprint for the Future of the Australian construction industry: An Industry that Works for Everyone, released today, represents a shared commitment to a better way of doing things.

It is a very significant milestone in the work of the NCIF, which has brought together unions, employers, contractors and relevant Ministers in constructive dialogue.

Once endorsed, the draft Blueprint would set out a pathway to improve safety, culture, productivity and sustainability, and to tackle the big challenges facing the industry, including governance, lawfulness and compliance, regulation and procurement, skills, workforce and participation, financial viability, and reporting and transparency.

Representatives of the NCIF have worked intensively together since October to develop the draft Blueprint.

Experienced workplace relations practitioner Dr Rod Harrison oversaw the process, with the draft delivered ahead of schedule.

A full meeting of the NCIF to consider endorsement of the draft Blueprint will be held in the near future.

The Blueprint is available HERE

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Murray Watt:

“The draft Blueprint represents a collective effort to move forward – together.

“As a government we’re committed to making all construction workplaces safe, productive and welcoming, and this blueprint demonstrates the same commitment from industry.

“This is how a Labor government does things – bringing together the whole industry, not pitting one group against the other.

“We know we need a better way of doing things in the construction industry, and the draft blueprint demonstrates the strong action and collaboration needed to build an industry that works for everyone.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic:

“This Blueprint is the result of months of collaborative work across sectors to set out the future of the construction industry.

“There has been a terrific team effort across all groups to get us building the things we need as a nation faster and more safely.

“This is a great step forward that won’t just ease pressures on our construction sector but better delivers Australians the homes and infrastructure they deserve.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This draft blueprint represents significant progress in addressing productivity in the construction, paving the pathway to a better way of doing things.

“We’re coming together – government, industry and unions – to work together to create lasting and tangible change.

“The building and construction industry is the second largest contributor to Australia’s economic growth, delivering nearly 1 in 10 jobs. This work is vital to our economic future.”