The size and importance of the building and construction industry in Victoria should not be underestimated, but you might not guess that by looking at ministerial portfolios. Building and construction is the most important sector for the state in terms of what it delivers to the economy and the community. As we grow faster than any other state in the nation, our sector provides jobs and a huge amount of taxation revenue, but it also delivers the houses and social infrastructure, like roads, transport, parks, hospitals, schools and aged-care facilities, that Victorians need to maintain the high standard of living we come to expect. The time has come to establish a minister for building and construction.

People throughout the state feel the impact and influence of the work our sector does. In Victoria, for example, the building and construction sector generates around 255,000 part- and full-time jobs, and the sector is the second-largest full-time employer in the state. Our industry has close to 91,000 businesses in the state giving it, proportionately, Victoria’s largest number of any sector.

Aspects of building and construction are spread across ministerial portfolios such as planning, employment, skills, finance, housing affordability, local government, suburban development and small business, but without a specific focus. They are spread so thin that getting traction for change is extremely difficult. Establishing a minister devoted to overseeing the industry to drive strategy and change for the benefit of communities, individuals and businesses makes clear sense.

Without such a minister, we face major challenges in making progress at a time when change and fast action on critical projects are of the utmost importance to Victorians, like long-needed planning reforms and trades registration. But if we match the need for reform with the ability to execute those reforms to drive jobs, business viability and growth for the benefits of all Victorians, it is exciting to think of what could be achieved, and for the good of us all.

Radley de Silva, CEO
Master Builders Association of Victoria