12 November 2026
The Australian Constructors Association (ACA), which represents Australia's largest construction companies, has backed the CFMEU inquiry's call for a tough new construction code. ACA is urging the Crisafulli Government to bring it in before the next round of union pay deals locks in BPIC-era costs across the state's $119 billion building program.
In an interim report released this week, Commissioner Stuart Wood found the Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) policy added an estimated 20 per cent to the cost of major public projects. He recommended a new code for government construction work and a regulator to enforce it.
ACA CEO Peter Colacino said the findings showed what was at stake for taxpayers.
"Twenty per cent means that for every five hospitals, schools or roads taxpayers paid for, they could have had six. Every dollar lost to unproductive practices is a dollar taxpayers never get back," Mr Colacino said.
"Enterprise bargaining is about to start. If those deals are signed before the rules are clear, Queenslanders will pay for it. The Government should act on the Commissioner's recommendations quickly."
ACA supports the code's crackdown on clauses that give unions a say over who contractors hire and which subcontractors they use, and on 'jump up' clauses that automatically flow pay rises from other agreements. ACA also welcomes new rules to stop unions fighting over members on site, which it called for in its submission to the inquiry, and the recommendation that the code apply immediately to Olympic venue projects.
"Safety is non-negotiable. As the CFMEU’s administrator observed himself this week at the National Press Club, it should never be misused as an industrial plaything to unnecessarily shut down a site," said Mr Colacino.
ACA is calling for WorkSafe Queensland to be given the powers to suspend permit holders and safety representatives who misuse safety powers. The new regulator must also be properly resourced, reach into regional Queensland, and work with existing regulators rather than duplicate them.
“The relationship between the new code and Commonwealth reforms must also be considered to ensure unnecessary administrative burden is avoided.
"Get the detail right and Queensland gets value for money, safer sites and a Games legacy to be proud of," said Mr Colacino.
About us:
The Australian Constructors Association is the only representative body for contractors delivering vertical and horizontal construction projects, as well as undertaking infrastructure asset management. Our members construct and service the majority of major infrastructure projects built in Australia every year. Our goal is to create a more sustainable construction industry.
Contact details:
Megan Anderson, Head of Media and Communications
ph: 0475 978 478 / e: [email protected]
