Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF)

Building Australia’s Future: ACIF’s Policy Priorities for the 2025 Federal Election The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) yesterday released its 2025 Policy Priorities leading into the federal election. The six policy priorities are: drive cultural change to build fair, inclusive and respectful workplaces; harmonise security of payment laws and provide better security of payment protections; skills shortages in the construction industry to be addressed; increase the affordability and accessibility of Australian standards; the National Construction Code updates to remain at a three-year cycle; and address the issue of professional indemnity insurance for professions in the construction industry. ACIF has released this shortlist of priorities to focus the major parties in the lead up to the federal election, as well as the next government on the main issues in this crucial sector. For the 1.4 million Australians who work in the building and construction industry, which is set to have a turnover of $299 billion this financial year, and for the 27 million Australians who live, work and play in the built environment, it is a critical policy area in the upcoming federal election. “While there are many issues that ACIF would like to see progressed, these six have been chosen by our members as the most important ones that need addressing in 2025“, stated Dr James Cameron, ACIF’s Executive Director. “Improving the culture of the Australian construction industry is an issue that needs urgent attention. This includes support to enable a greater emphasis on mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in the construction industry; increasing the number of women entering and staying in the construction industry; and lowering the number of average working hours.” “Security of payment is also an issue that continues to cause grief to both tradespeople and professionals in the industry, and which needs to be addressed.” Dr Cameron added, “The industry faces urgent challenges that must be addressed to ensure a sustainable and thriving future. Labour shortages, outdated regulatory frameworks, mental health pressures, and rising construction costs are threatening productivity, project viability, and workforce retention. Without immediate action, these challenges will compromise Australia’s ability to deliver essential housing and infrastructure.” “ACIF stands ready to work with policymakers to shape a construction industry that is productive, inclusive, and future-focused. A robust construction sector means more jobs, better housing and infrastructure, and a stronger economy for all Australians.” The full document explaining ACIF’s 2025 policy priorities is available here: https://lnkd.in/gcqdrjtY

This International Women’s Day, ACIF celebrates the women shaping the future of construction. We’re committed to making the industry more inclusive, with more women in every role, from trades to management. ACIF is proud to represent the initiatives led by our members, that are at the forefront of driving change, empowering women, and helping address the skills gap. Together, we can work towards building policies and programs that support women and address the skills gap.

The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) Member Meeting was held in Adelaide yesterday, with key industry leaders and government representatives convening to discuss pressing issues shaping the sector. With guests including Minister Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister Andrea Michaels MP, Holly Willcox from the Construction Industry Training Board, Prof Jeremy Coggins, Dr Jessica Viven-Wilksch, and Andrew Marshall of Master Builders. Discussions covered: ✅ National Construction Code Updates – Finding the right balance in update frequency. ✅ ACIF’s 2025 Policy Priorities & Federal Election Platform – Key industry needs to advocate ahead of and after the next election. ✅ Industry Culture – Next steps for improvement. ✅ Security of Payment – Ensuring fair and timely payments. ✅ Professional Indemnity Insurance – Addressing coverage gaps. ✅ Challenges for the South Australian construction industry in 2025. ✅ A Possible Industry Code of Conduct. ACIF remains committed to advocating for a strong and successful construction industry. Thanks to ACIF members and guests for a very productive day!

Season's Greetings from the ACIF team, Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable break, and a happy New Year!

This week the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) elected a new Chair at the ACIF Member Meeting in Canberra. Ms Shannon Battisson LFRAIA was voted in as Chair after earlier being selected by the ACIF Board as their preferred candidate. The ACIF Board and members are delighted to have Shannon as the new Chair, and have enormous gratitude and appreciation for Norman Faifer LFAIB FAIQS CQS FIAMA for his seven years of service as ACIF Chair. Ms Battisson was the 2022/23 National President of the Australian Institute of Architects, and is a highly accomplished member of the profession in Australia, and beyond. Shannon is also the Chair of the Australian Institute of Architects charitable Foundation, and is the director of architecture at Canberra-based, multidisciplinary design studio The Mill. As an architect, Shannon has developed a strong ethos of people-centric design over 20 years of practice. Having studied at the University of New South Wales, and having lived abroad, Shannon consciously settled in Canberra to establish her practice, The Mill: Architecture + Design, with business partner Sarah Welsh. Together, they are dedicated to working towards a world where all people have access to the essential elements of home (safety, comfort, and retreat) whilst ensuring all of the spaces we live and work in are climate responsive, affordable and joyful spaces to be in. At the ACIF Member Meeting and the following day, ACIF members met with: · The Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training · The Hon. Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government · Senator The Hon. Murray Watt, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations · Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development · The Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness · The Hon. Sussan Ley MP, Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business, Shadow Minister for Women · Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations At the ACIF Member Meeting, ACIF members discussed key topics for the industry including addressing Australia’s housing shortage, climate change adaption and the energy transition, the frequency of updates of the National Construction Code, the ACIF 2025 policy priorities/election platform, and security of payment. ACIF Executive Director, Dr James Cameron, commented: “Shannon will be an excellent ACIF Chair and a very effective advocate for the construction industry. I am very pleased indeed to have her in the role.” “I am also immensely grateful to Norman Faifer for his superb chairing of ACIF during a crucial time for the organisation. He helped steer the forum in a wise and dignified manner, and his fifty plus years of industry experience were invaluable.”

The November 2024 ACIF Forecasts are out now! Click the link below to purchase the Australian Construction Market Report and/or Customised Forecasts Dashboard. https://lnkd.in/ew9wWaf

One week to go until ACIF forecasts release on the 14th November 2024 🏗️ Join Mr Kerry Barwise as he presents the key findings of the November 2024 ACIF Economic Forecasts on the 15th November 2024. ACIF Forecasts are a primary source of market information for the building and construction industry in Australia, providing decision makers with a reliable and accurate compass for business planning. Released bi-annually, the Forecasts provide a relevant and credible compass for the next ten years on upcoming demand for work across all sectors, including major projects.

One month to go until the ACIF Forecasts release! 🏗️ Utilising the latest data from the ACIF Forecasts, the Australian Construction Market Report and Customised Forecasts Dashboard provide essential insights into upcoming opportunities across Australia’s building and construction industry. Discover: - Current demand for projects - Detailed labour requirements - Insights tailored to your capital city Stay ahead in the competitive landscape! #ACIF #ConstructionMarketReports #BuildingAustralia #IndustryInsights

We are seven weeks away from the #ACIF November Forecasts release! As Australia deals with uncertain international circumstances, the ACIF Forecasts give an insight into the overall outlook across Australia currently, and in the next ten years. ACIF has always sought to support and promote a successful, strong and sustainable construction industry. The construction industry is one of the main drivers of the Australian economy, and will be a major contributor to economic growth. More details coming soon. #AustralianConstruction #ACIF2024

The Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) - Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) Strategic Forum Joint Statement, 16 September 2024. The APCC-ACIF Strategic Forum (Forum) convened on Monday, marking another pivotal meeting of key stakeholders in the Australasian building and construction industry. Building on our collective experience and shared vision, members reaffirmed their commitment to addressing critical issues and driving positive change within the sector. Discussions throughout the day highlighted that while progress has been made, significant challenges still require collaborative efforts between government and industry to ensure sustainable growth. To access the full statement, visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gwtDu9ee