fighting construction workers
Source: Canva
  • Nearly 50% of respondents to a construction industry survey called for improved culture
  • Less than 10% called for more talent, contrary to political rhetoric and media coverage
  • Commercial frameworks potentially a root cause of negative industry culture

Jobs, growth, and foisting apprenticeships onto the unemployed is that familiar rhetoric we’ve heard day after day.

But are more jobs in construction really what Australia needs?

In short, maybe, but curiously that is not what the construction industry is calling for.

The New Construction Industry Forum conducted a survey of the industry, reporting that only 7% of respondents expressed the need for an expanded workforce.

What did the overwhelming majority of 49% pine for?

Better culture.

Shivendra Kumar, of Shivendra & Co., commented that there was something bubbling away behind the scenes:

“There is a tension behind the 49 per cent figure for improving culture,” said Mr Kumar.

He went on to say industry dynamics weren’t very conducive to a positive culture, and that “… biggest source of that tension is a systemic dissatisfaction with the pressures people work under and the dynamics of the industry as a whole”.

CEO of the Australian Constructors Association, Jon Davies, also weighed in on the alarming figures, saying in a statement “… it is widely understood that adversarial commercial frameworks negatively impact on culture and yet a positive industry culture is a key factor in attracting people into the industry.”

Following the call for a change in culture, improving risk allocation came second at 29%, followed by improving productivity at 15%.




You May Also Like

Growing market: childcare facilities investment developing

Recent changes to Child Care Package subsidies, as well as govt support of childcare as an essential service, will be another growth driver.

West Perth’s CBD leading the move towards growing employment nodes

Markets which were not hampered with the same level of lockdown, such as Brisbane and Perth CBDs, have improved their occupancy.

WA Government to boost development with $80M fund and DAP delay cap

Premier McGowan announced 120-day state govt DAP caps and opt-ins for local govt, $80M in infrastructure funding, and green light for smaller multi-dwelling developments of $2M.

Experts Corner by The Property Tribune

Ko & NPA partner to launch several co-owned luxury properties at Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast

Ko's partnership with NPA Projects provides more opportunities to co-own off-the-plan holiday residences, including exclusive Gold Coast properties

Continue reading

Top Articles

Expert tips on how to be a successful property investor

Property expert and buyer's agent, Lloyd Edge, shares his insights.

Australian commercial property update: Industrial and tourism assets lead the pack in trying times

Commercial assets have faced volatility recently, driven by financing changes and demand fluctuations from institutions and funds.

WA has emerged as a property investment hub, and why that's a good thing

Eastern investors chase Perth's affordability, doubling the distance between home and investment in 2023, reveals MCG research.