Latest engineering construction figures confirm that projects in this area are currently making one of the largest contributions to growth in Australia’s economy, but Master Builders Australia warns the Government not to jeopardise these efforts with damaging IR reforms.
Master Builders Australia chief economist Shane Garrett said over the March quarter, engineering construction increased another 5.6 per cent with the volume of activity now 15.5 per cent up on a year ago.
“In a comparative analysis, the volume of engineering construction work completed for the public sector has witnessed a substantial increase of 18.3 per cent compared to a year ago.
“Public sector infrastructure projects are making a big contribution to the health of this part of the industry.
“Compared with a year ago, the volume of engineering construction work done for the public sector is 18.3 per cent higher.
“Work done for the private sector has also been expanding quite robustly and has increased by 13.2 per cent over the past year,” Mr Garrett said.
Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said infrastructure development plays a vital role in driving economic growth, reinforcing demand in our industry at a challenging time, and enhancing our economy’s long-term capacity to expand and prosper.
“However, we must ensure that government policies do not dampen these efforts. The Government is currently proposing damaging and productivity-sapping industrial relations reforms that put businesses and contractors at risk.
“Research by independent firm Insightfully shows 72 per cent of voters in the building and construction industry believe these reforms will negatively impact small businesses.
“Why are we proposing even more costs for small businesses that will ultimately end up hurting workers and the communities who are crying out for infrastructure and housing,” said Ms Wawn.
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