“People in our industry have worked hard during 2023. It’s time for them to take a well-deserved break over the festive period,” says Teone Tobin, Consult Australia’s Senior Policy Advisor.
Consult Australia started running the Christmas Tender Campaign in 2018, with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) the first client to heed the call and change its procurement policy.
Since then, Victoria’s Department of Treasury and Finance has joined TMR to press pause over the holiday period.
Consult Australia’s campaign has also gained traction and attracted the support of industry peer associations. In 2021, the Australian Constructors Association, Engineers Australia, Roads Australia and the Australasian Railway Association joined in. In 2023 the Association of Consulting Architects came on board.
“We have a strong voice across design, engineering and construction, and many government agencies now proactively inform Consult Australia of their tender shutdown dates and chase us if they do not get a campaign letter at the start of November,” Teone adds.
“Disconnecting from work is important, and pressing pause is a simple way that governments can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable construction ecosystem.”
Consult Australia actively promotes policies and programs to support mental health and wellbeing. The Mental Health Knowledge Hub, for instance, features guides, member stories and links to a raft of external resources, and has gained international recognition at the Federation of International Consulting Engineering Awards.
“We know that prioritising the health and wellbeing of people is key to improving attraction and retention rates, staff morale and job satisfaction We thank the agencies that have enacted a procurement policy that ensures a break for industry and we encourage other agencies to also give the gift of time,” Teone concludes.