The Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA) welcomes the release of the interim report into Queensland’s building and construction industry, which provides a critical and timely insight into the sector’s productivity challenges and reform opportunities.
For many years, QMCA has consistently raised the alarm about the stagnation, and in some areas, decline, of productivity within the industry. The interim report confirms these concerns and highlights two long-standing issues that have contributed to these outcomes:
- Increasing regulatory burdens, and
- Inefficient procurement practices, including additional obligations such as the BPIC framework and restrictive industrial arrangements.
QMCA is pleased to see these root causes recognised and addressed directly in the report. In particular, we support the proposed reform program, which outlines four clear areas of focus to drive industry-wide improvements:
- Reforming Procurement
QMCA believes that collaborative procurement models, founded on early contractor involvement, shared risk, and open communication, must be central to future reforms. These models foster innovation, reduce adversarial practices, and ultimately deliver better value for Queensland taxpayers. - Improving Land Use Regulation
Streamlining the planning and approvals process is essential to reducing project delays and unlocking construction-ready projects faster. Coordinated, timely land use regulation is a critical enabler of a healthy infrastructure pipeline. - Improving the Regulation of Building Activity
The report rightly identifies the cost and complexity created by Queensland’s unique approach to building regulations, particularly concerning financial requirements. These inconsistencies compared to other states add unnecessary friction, increase business costs, and delay project delivery. A nationally consistent regulatory approach would significantly benefit both the industry and the state economy. - Improving Labour Market Operation
Addressing labour market efficiency and modernising the management of industrial relations (IR) is essential. A balanced and fair IR system that supports both workforce wellbeing and operational flexibility is key to increasing productivity and sustaining a high-performing sector.
QMCA also welcomes the report’s acknowledgment of the costs associated with the BPIC framework, including its impact on program delivery and the overall affordability of infrastructure investment.
“We particularly welcome the interim report’s acknowledgment of the productivity losses and cost impacts associated with BPIC, and the implications this has on the future affordability and delivery of infrastructure investment in Queensland,” said QMCA CEO Andrew Chapman. “We have long advocated for a more strategic and evidence-based approach to initiatives like BPIC, which must be measured not only by intent but by their practical effects on productivity and project outcomes.”
“Queensland’s building and construction industry is a vital contributor to economic growth, job creation, and state development,” “For our sector to continue playing this role effectively, systemic reform is not optional; it is essential. QMCA looks forward to working closely with the Queensland Government, industry partners, and stakeholders to build a stronger, more productive, and more sustainable construction sector.”
