Master Builders Victoria welcomes the State Government’s announcement of the Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce. It is further recognition of the building and construction industry’s importance to our state’s economy and provides a collaborative forum to address the needs of our sector for COVID-19 recovery.

“The nation-leading Taskforce rightly places building and construction at the centre of economic recovery for our state,” Rebecca Casson, CEO of Master Builders Victoria, said. “Not only is building and construction Victoria’s largest full-time employer, it contributes 45% of its tax revenue. The housing sector alone generates $3 of economic activity for every $1 invested.  We therefore strongly back the State Government’s measures to support businesses and jobs.”

Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce will focus critical attention on overseeing the fast-tracking of planning approvals within Ministerial powers, identifying financial incentives and reviewing current revenue opportunities to help businesses survive and recover from the major disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

”There is no time to waste in delivering stimulus,” Ms Casson said. “Already, the building and construction industry has seen a 5.6% reduction in employment in Victoria, and over 63% of builders are reporting a reduction in their forward orders.”

A national survey on the impact of COVID-19 undertaken by Master Builders Australia revealed that over half of the respondents are already grappling with delays on work. A further 60 per cent of members anticipate further delays going forward and 70 per cent expect they will be forced to absorb the costs associated with these delays, putting even greater strain on the building and construction industry.

“Given this data, Master Builders Victoria supports the work of the Taskforce to identify stimulus measures that will give certainty to clients throughout our state that they can continue to engage builders and construction companies. This means families will have the confidence to build or renovate their dream home, and large construction and infrastructure projects can continue,” Rebecca Casson said.

“Master Builders Victoria is honoured to be one of the main industry peak bodies providing real-time advice to the Taskforce and Government on issues impacting the building and construction industry,” Ms Casson said. “We will continue to provide a strong voice for each of the 100,000 companies across our sector.”

“Master Builders Victoria and our members have worked tirelessly to keep the building and construction industry moving forward through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring workers stay safe and healthy while we deliver the infrastructure our state needs.  On behalf of our industry, we have sent a strong message to all Victorians that builders and trades people are very much open for business and ready to help with a full range of projects to support our state’s economy,” she said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has delivered a devastating blow to our communities, and the building and construction industry stands ready to form the foundation of our state’s recovery. However, the opportunity to do so is very much dependent on effective survival and stimulus measures, and continuing support,” Ms Casson said.