Master Builders congratulates the newly-appointed Victorian ministers following the re-election of the Andrews Government.

We urge the new Victorian ministry to heed our key policy priorities to ensure that the building and construction industry – Victoria’s largest full-time employer – continues to flourish for the betterment of the state economy.

The following ministerial appointees are particularly important for members to note for their leading influence on the development and implementation of relevant policy:

  • Daniel Andrews – Premier
  • Tim Pallas – Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations
  • Robin Scott – Assistant Treasurer
  • Richard Wynne – Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing
  • Gayle Tierney – Minister for Training and Skills
  • Jacinta Allen – Minister for Transport Infrastructure
  • Jill Hennessy – Minister for Workplace Safety and Attorney-General

In addition, other key appointees who have ancillary relevance include:

  • Marlene Kairouz – Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation
  • Melissa Horne – Minister for Public Transport
  • Gavin Jennings – Minister for Priority Precincts
  • Adem Somyurek – Minister for Local Government and Small Business
  • Jaclyn Symes (pending final election count) – Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Resources
  • Jaala Pulford – Minister for Roads
  • Lily D’Ambrosio – Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes

A conspicuous absence

The Labor Government did not appoint a minister dedicated to building and construction separate from planning for which Master Builders has advocated emphatically. As best we can determine, Mr Wynne will continue to remain responsible for the Building Act and building regulations. He will also remain the chief overseer for the implementation of mandatory trades registration. Master Builders will work with Mr Wynne on this.

Additionally, Master Builders will work with both Ms Hennessy and Mr Pallas in advocating against the introduction of industrial manslaughter. Focus should instead be on greater practical safety education and training, and stronger enforcement of safe work method statements (SWMS) on building sites.

Master Builders will also continue to work with Ms Tierney in pushing for funding and support for industry RTOs. Support for the delivery of industry-relevant training is important in providing strong employment outcomes and providing more in-demand skills for a building and construction industry already hobbled by skills shortages.