Queensland builders are pushing for further industry reform following the abolition of the Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC).
Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell said the State Government’s move to scrap BPIC would help restore productivity and reduce costs across Queensland’s construction industry.
Mr Bidwell said the organisation’s analysis found that when BPIC was applied in full, up to 96 days were lost each year due to rigid RDOs and inflexible working hours – slashing productivity to as little as three days of work per week.
“The result being a cost increase of between 18 and 33 per cent to build an apartment.”
He said with a once-in-a-generation pipeline of housing and community projects ahead, the policy had long hindered progress.
“It’s clear BPIC has no place in Queensland government procurement. Scrapping it is a smart and necessary step that will help our state meet its housing and infrastructure needs.”
Mr Bidwell said other moves such as a focus on small and regional business under the new Procurement Policy with less red tape, the end to the Ethical Supplier Mandate and plans to incentivise good performance by building contractors, rather than just punishing poor performance, was also welcome.
“However, given the scale of the housing crisis and what needs to be delivered, we cannot afford further setbacks – and there’s more to be done to better position industry to boost supply.
“With BPIC in the rear-view mirror, we look forward to government’s response to the final Queensland Productivity Commission report.
“Our priorities are finally ending the Project Trust Account regime that does not add to security of payment, rolling back construction code changes where the cost outweighs the benefit, introducing a consistent Queensland Housing Code, and better supporting Modern Methods of Construction.”
