Master Builders Victoria (MBV) has welcomed State Liberal Leader The Hon. Michael O’Brien, Leader of The Nationals The Hon. Peter Walsh, and their Shadow Cabinet colleagues, to its East Melbourne headquarters for a high-level briefing on its priorities for the building and construction industry in the lead-up to the 2022 state election.

This morning’s Shadow Cabinet meeting, which was conducted in a COVIDSafe manner and abided by all current health regulations, included an opportunity for MBV to inform the State Opposition on how the Victorian building and construction industry has successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.

MBV CEO Rebecca Casson underlined the importance of the Victorian building and construction industry to the state’s economy and how it plans to continue operating safely going forward. 

MBV also re-iterated its call for a Building and Construction Minister to be appointed with specific responsibility for the functions and outcomes of the sector.

The meeting also gave MBV the opportunity to brief the Shadow Cabinet on the current supply chain issues, which have seen Increased global demand for building products because of COVID-19 stimulus across the US and Europe.

Latest ABS figures show structural timber prices rose 6.6 per cent during the June 2021 quarter, and are now 11.7 per cent higher than a year ago.

Other policy issues discussed included the Building Systems Review, the OHS Amendment Act, Windfall Gains Tax, accessible housing, security of payment, and the VicRoads Road Occupation charge.

In the lead-up to the 2022 Victorian state election, MBV is seeking a commitment from both major parties to reverse legislation, taxes and charges that have been introduced – some over many years - and continue to be a burden to the building and construction industry.

Click here to view the full press release.