Master Builders Victoria (MBV) CEO Rebecca Casson has been appointed as Chairperson of the Victorian Government’s Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC) in another first for women in the State’s building and construction industry.

The BICC was established in 2001 as a high-level forum for discussion between employers, industry associations, unions and government on significant economic and industrial relations issues affecting the State’s building and construction industry.

The objective of the BICC is to promote an environment that stimulates building activity and job growth in Victoria.

The BICC does this through fostering harmonious working relations, promoting cultural change, facilitating investment, and promoting best practices in the building and construction industry.

Ms Casson, whose appointment is for three years, is the first woman to chair the BICC.

MBV President Mark Little congratulated Ms Casson on her appointment as Chairperson of the BICC.

“This is another historic moment for MBV and our sector to see a woman appointed to a key leadership position in the building and construction industry,” Mr Little said.

“Rebecca demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic that she can bring different parties together to ensure our industry stayed safe and largely remained open.

“Her appointment to the BICC will continue to change the culture in the building and construction industry.

"This appointment also re-affirms the Victorian Government’s commitment to building gender equity in our sector.”

Ms Casson said she was proud to be appointed by the Victorian Government as Chairperson of the BICC.

“I thank the Victorian Government for trusting me to lead the BICC over the next three years,” she said.

“I take this opportunity to thank my predecessor in this role, Peter Parkinson, for all his hard work and support in guiding our industry through the worst of the global pandemic.

“Under Peter’s leadership, the BICC has undertaken several significant initiatives, including overseeing the Victorian Government’s new Building Equity Policy.  This plan aims to achieve a greater representation of women in the State’s building and construction industry.

“This is a critical time for the State’s building and construction industry as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, and I look forward to working with the Victorian Government and the BICC to ensure that our sector continues to lead our State’s recovery.”

In another first for women in the State’s building and construction industry, it was recently announced that Ms Casson had been appointed to the Board of Master Builders Insurance Brokers (MBIB) – the first woman Director in the organisation’s 18-year history.