A Call to Action

The ACT Master Builders Association has delivered a strong message to any newly elected ACT Government: act decisively and quickly to avoid a further downturn in the building and construction industry. The repercussions of a rapid decline in activity will have major implications for the ACT economy and the wider Canberra community. ‘ACT Election 2012: Industry Call for Action’ paper released this week by the MBA. The paper outlines critical actions that must be taken to halt a downward spiral in industry confidence, further job losses and negative economic impacts from a critical industry struggling in a volatile market.

This stern warning is contained in a comprehensive

The MBA’s Executive Director John Miller said, "The overregulation of the industry, a lack of coordination in strategic planning, and the need for a consistent and level playing field are just some of the issues facing an industry lacking any form of certainty."

Mr Miller added, "When you look at stifling red tape, planning delays, lack of coordination between government agencies, a confusing compliance regime, and lengthy and complex consultation processes, the industry is struggling to remain viable and competitive in what is without question the most challenging environment seen for many years".

The MBA has listed a number of critical actions in their ‘Industry Call for Action’ Paper that puts politicians on notice that any lack of political will to deal with these issues will leave the building and construction industry, and the 15,000 employees across the Territory it supports, in real jeopardy.

Examples such as the duplication and repetition in complying with workplace safety regulations, often complex government procurement requirements, and the imposition of burdensome new regulations and onerous planning requirements, make it extremely difficult for building and construction companies to remain profitable.

Mr Miller said, "This uncertainty, coupled with the impact of the Carbon Tax, competition from larger interstate companies, and high regulatory fees and charges make it very difficult for small local companies to compete for major capital works

projects". Mr Miller stated, "This is being compounded by unrealistic union demands for higher pay for workers, and their unfettered disruption to worksites and the subsequent loss of productivity these actions cause".

The MBA is also calling for a change of culture within the ACT bureaucracy aimed toward a more service oriented system to stamp out frustrations and delays caused by pockets of negative and inflexible administration. Conflicting advice given and a reticence to make decisions add to the uncertainty and lack of confidence faced by one of the ACT’s most important industry sectors. Mr Miller said, "The time to act is now".

The MBA’s ‘ACT Election 2012: Industry Call for Action’ paper is on the MBA website;

Ends

For further details contact John Miller, Executive Director MBA ACT

Tel: (02) 6247 2099
Mobile: 0408 697 849