MEDIA STATEMENT: A Fresh Start for Queensland: Landmark inquiry into building and construction sector to commence
Published Today at 11:08 AM
Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership
The Honourable David Janetzki
A Fresh Start for Queensland: Landmark inquiry into building and construction sector to commence
- Treasurer officially issues first referral to new independent Queensland Productivity Commission.
- Terms of Reference for landmark Inquiry into improving construction productivity released.
- Experienced senior executive Angela Moody appointed as Queensland Productivity Commissioner.
The Crisafulli Government has released the Terms of Reference for the landmark Inquiry into improving productivity in the construction sector, delivering on a key election commitment.
The Inquiry is the first order of business for the Queensland Productivity Commission, after the Commissioner was formally appointed this week.
The Terms of Reference require the Commission to investigate and report on conditions in the residential and non-residential construction sectors and examine policy and regulatory factors affecting productivity of this important industry.
The ongoing housing shortage and the government’s large capital investment program, including the delivery of Brisbane 2032 infrastructure, means lifting construction productivity is more important than ever.
As part of the Inquiry, the Commission will undertake wide public consultation with stakeholders, including industry peak bodies, unions, construction businesses, and regulatory bodies.
With the Terms of Reference for the initial inquiry handed down today, the Commission is required to deliver a report to the Government within six months.
The Inquiry comes after revelations Labor’s Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPICs) were adding up to 25 per cent to the cost of major projects and holding back the construction of thousands of new homes, prompting the Crisafulli Government to pause BPICs pending the Queensland Productivity Commission’s review.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered on its election promise to re-establish the Queensland Productivity Commission, after it was axed by the former Labor Government in 2021, leaving the State without a source of independent economic advice.
Treasurer David Janetzki said Queensland could not afford productivity on building sites to remain in decline.
“The Commission’s first Inquiry will review the factors driving productivity in the Queensland construction sector and make recommendations for reform to improve productivity without compromising quality and safety outcomes,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“This important work by the Productivity Commission will drive up productivity and drive down cost pressures.”
Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said the Inquiry was a critical step toward fixing what’s broken in Queensland’s building and construction sector.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from builders across Queensland red tape and outdated regulations are stalling housing projects and driving up costs,” Mr O’Connor said.
“By launching this Inquiry, we’re getting on with the job of making it easier to build in Queensland because the current system isn’t working for builders and it’s certainly not working for the tens of thousands of Queenslanders waiting for a place to call home.”
The Crisafulli Government has also announced the appointment of Angela Moody as Productivity Commissioner.
Ms Moody has more than 20 years of experience in the private and public sector in policy development and evaluation, regulation and legislative reform, and corporate governance and commercial analysis.
Her experience has provided significant knowledge and capability across electricity, water, natural gas and public policy sectors.
Current Head of the Office of Productivity and Red Tape Reduction in Queensland Treasury Dr Karen Hooper has been appointed to the QPC Board as a Commissioner.
“The appointment of these experienced and highly qualified board members is a coup for Queenslanders,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“Their combined experience will ensure the Commission delivers on our Government’s commitment to restoring respect for Queenslanders’ money and driving down cost of living pressures.”
The full Terms of Reference for the QPC Inquiry into opportunities to improve the productivity of the construction sector are available at qpc.qld.gov.au
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Charlie Peel 0486 186 007