CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said the building and construction industry was one of the foundation stones providing the basis for a sound economy, a sector that now employs over a million workers and one that creates wealth and shelter for the community.
“Maintaining a strong building and construction industry should be a top priority for the next government. A strong building and construction industry needs a robust economy, a more flexible workplace relations system and fewer regulations and government charges to make housing more affordable and in greater supply," he said.
Mr Harnisch added responsible economic management, micro-economic reform and low interest rates are the key underpinnings critical to this industry sector and must be part of a suite of measures to increase productivity.
"Good economic management is critical if Australia is to maintain its capacity to weather global economic weaknesses and if the building and construction industry is to make a positive contribution to Australia’s recovery in the post GFC environment.
“Ongoing reform is a necessity for a resilient economy. The workplace relations system must not put up barriers to labour market efficiency and flexibility nor should it prevent workers from being able to negotiate arrangements with their employer that best suits their circumstances without unnecessary third party intervention.
“Lawful industrial behaviour is high on the building industry’s election priorities list. The industry needs a strong cop on the beat with the retention of a well empowered regulator.
Reform, Mr Harnisch said, should also encompass the provision of affordable housing.
"The lack of affordable housing adds to social dislocation and threatens Australia’s economic growth. There has to be a focus on the supply side of the problem such as dealing with chronic land shortages. Demand side measures, like the first home owners grant, must be matched with supply side reforms. Those reforms must be top of the agenda for the new Government.
“The other policy priorities include the adoption of a sensible response to climate change to ensure housing cost increases are kept to a minimum and for the continued investment to training our young people.”