Hosted by the Australian Constructors Association (ACA), Foundations and Frontiers (FF24) brought together leaders from across the construction spectrum, including Consult Australia, to tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges.
Culture, productivity and financial stability were among the biggest, according to results from participant polling held during the forum.
When asked how government could support a ‘sustainable’ future for the industry, two solutions came out on top: ‘procuring based on best value not lowest cost’ (37%) and ‘ensuring fair allocation of project risk’ (29.3%).
Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association, said FF24 “recognises that we are not starting from scratch”.
“The foundations for a more sustainable industry are already there but we need to push the frontiers for acceptable outcomes in areas like industry culture, diversity, productivity and profitability – and we need to do this quickly.”
One of the first sessions of the day brought together four industry association leaders from Consult Australia, Infrastructure Sustainability Council, Engineers Australia and the Housing Industry Association to reflect on their priorities for change.
Consult Australia’s CEO Jonathan Cartledge championed a shift away from the “Design, Construct and Litigate cycle” that has long plagued the sector.
“At our best we are the best in the world. But we need our best to be business as usual,” he stated. “Our model consultants, our model clients, and their behaviours and values deliver better against any metric of time, cost and quality with better outcomes for our communities.”
Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew highlighted critical issues facing the Australian construction industry: “stagnant productivity, poor mental health, lack of diversity and financial sustainability”. These issues are “deeply interrelated” and require holistic solutions. “Fragmented approaches have led us to short-term solutions rather than sustainable progress.”
Infrastructure Sustainability Council Acting CEO Patrick Hastings emphasised the importance of a “shared purpose and vision” that encourages “fair and reasonable” conversations around mutual benefits. “We need to be shifting our thinking back in the value chain,” he urged.
Jocelyn Martin, Managing Director, Housing Industry Association, called for a “whole-of-government roadmap” to focus on the delivery of homes, given Australia’s ambitious target of 1.2 million homes over the next five years. “All parties tinker around the edges, bickering over political issues, but at the end of the day, what is lacking is true leadership. We need all layers and all sides of government to take home building seriously.”
The forum concluded with 75 industry leaders signing a communique that acknowledged the construction industry’s vital role in Australia’s economy and committed to increasing collaboration to overcome its challenges.