The nation’s peak body for major builders has thrown its weight behind recommendations for a strict new Queensland construction code, urging the state government to legislate the reforms before upcoming union pay negotiations lock in inflated costs across the state’s AU$119 billion infrastructure pipeline.
The push by the Australian Constructors Association (ACA) follows an interim report handed down this week by CFMEU inquiry Commissioner Stuart Wood.
The report estimated that the former Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) policy inflated the price of major public works by 20 per cent, recommending a fresh government procurement code backed by an enforcement regulator.
ACA Chief Executive Peter Colacino said delaying the reforms would leave Queenslanders footing the bill for years to come.
“Twenty per cent means that for every five hospitals, schools or roads taxpayers paid for, they could have had six. Every dollar lost to unproductive practices is a dollar taxpayers never get back,” Colacino said.
“Enterprise bargaining is about to start. If those deals are signed before the rules are clear, Queenslanders will pay for it. The government should act on the Commissioner’s recommendations quickly.”
The association backed key measures proposed for the code, including banning clauses that grant unions control over hiring and subcontractor selection, outlawing “jump-up” clauses that automatically trigger wage increases from external agreements, and curbing demarcation disputes on worksites. It also welcomed the recommendation that the new rules apply immediately to 2032 Olympic venue projects.
While stressing workplace safety remains non-negotiable, Colacino argued safety laws must not be weaponised for industrial leverage. The ACA is calling for WorkSafe Queensland to be granted powers to suspend permit holders and safety representatives who abuse right-of-entry or safety powers to unnecessarily halt work.
The body also urged the state government to ensure the proposed regulator extends into regional Queensland, avoids duplicating existing agencies, and aligns smoothly with federal industrial reforms.
“The relationship between the new code and Commonwealth reforms must also be considered to ensure unnecessary administrative burden is avoided,” Colacino said.
“Get the detail right and Queensland gets value for money, safer sites and a Games legacy to be proud of.”