High level building and construction meeting kicks off year of reform to strengthen the sector

Queensland’s peak construction industry leaders have met for the first time in 2017, kicking off an important year of reform for the industry.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said that the meeting of the Ministerial Construction Council was an important opportunity to update industry on proposed reforms.

“I was very pleased to host the new Queensland Building and Construction Board Chair Dick Williams, who outlined to industry leaders the important action he is taking to reform the QBCC,” Mr de Brenni said.

“It’s so important for Queensland licensees that there is a strong regulator who they can rely on and that the regulator’s decision making is transparent and easily understood.

“Tim Mander’s shoddy management of construction policy has left us with a minimum financial requirements system that has eroded confidence in the industry.

“Mr Williams reported to industry that the new Board will be reviewing all of the QBCC’s policies to make sure that they align to community expectations.”

Mr de Brenni said that he was excited by the level of industry engagement around the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Building Plan discussion paper.

“From the start of February we will be kicking off face to face consultation on the new Queensland Building Plan.

“The plan looks at ten important areas of reform including the Palaszczuk Government’s landmark changes to ensure subcontractors get paid on-time and in full.

“I understand that there are differences of opinion across the sector, but I think there is a general commitment to work together constructively to achieve real change,” Mr de Brenni said.

The Ministerial Construction Council issued the following communique: http://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/aboutus/news/pages/Ministerial-Construction-Council-Communique.aspx

[ENDS] 20 January 2017

Media Contact: Tristan Douglas 0447 164 197