As several COVID-19 cases have emerged from the building and construction sector, it has become evident that mandatory vaccination of the state’s building and construction workers is the only way to move our industry forward. 

Our sector is Victoria’s fourth largest. It accounts for 46 per cent of our state’s tax revenue and employs more than 320,000 Victorians directly and many more indirectly. Our industry’s continued operation is the reason our state’s economy is not declining. However, while the building and construction industry is critical to jobs and the economy, it’s just as critical that our sector continues to enforce COVIDSafe measures.   

It is vital that those not doing the right thing are held to account as they risk our whole industry being completely shut down. That’s why we’re supporting the Victorian Government’s compliance blitz. 

And we acknowledge that our industry’s obligation to continue to work comes with significant responsibilities.   

That’s one of the reasons Master Builders Victoria’s Council of Management has resolved to re-state our organisation’s support that COVID-19 vaccinations must be mandated by the Victorian Government.   

This is essential to keep our workforce COVIDSafe and so that the building and construction industry can achieve the vaccination rate targets set by the Chief Health Officer (CHO). Of course, we understand that the CHO will need to consider the mandating of vaccinations as part of the exercise of his statutory powers. 

However, without mandatory vaccinations, it will be extremely challenging for building and construction industry employers to get all their employees back to work and for our industry to fully reopen.  

To even get back to 50 per cent capacity on building sites, 90 per cent of our workforce must have had one jab by 23 September 2021.  This is a high measure, which can only realistically be achieved through mandatory vaccination. 

Nevertheless, our message has been very clear– get the jab done for you, your workmates, and for Victoria. There’s an extensive industry campaign running, including Master Builders Victoria billboards across the city and in regional Victoria, to highlight this important message. 

Over the weekend, Master Builders Victoria worked with the Victorian Government to secure priority vaccination access for our industry. This was a good win for our members and our sector - 20,000 priority Pfizer jabs and unlimited AZ. However, taking advantage of priority access to vaccinations is now key. 

Incolink has already started an on-site vaccination program - the first of its kind in Australia. And drive-in vaccination hubs for our industry will soon begin. 

It’s important to remember that any Victorian, including building and construction workers, can also book to get vaccinated with their local GP or selected pharmacists across the state.   

Our industry cannot survive on a pilot light forever.  

So, please speak to your healthcare professional and consider getting the jab done - and then we can all get back to work.