The Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) is concerned by the Albanese Government’s decision to exclude civil trades from its newly announced Key Apprentices Program. While the program represents a much-needed focus on addressing Australia’s skills shortage, the exclusion of civil construction trades signals further delays and consultation on workforce needs in critical sectors, putting the nation further behind on its housing and infrastructure targets.
Despite infrastructure being identified as a key area of shortage in today’s Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System – Final Report (appendix 1 – see overleaf) , the Government has to ensure that civil trades are part of those to be funded or the housing deliver will be challenged. This apparent omission, whilst potentially unintended, directly contradicts the findings of the report and undermines the critical role that civil trades play in delivering the infrastructure necessary to support housing and economic growth. Without prioritising civil trades, the Government risks further delays in addressing Australia’s housing and infrastructure challenges.
Nicholas Proud, CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation, said: “We are building 60,000 fewer homes than we were in 2021, so it is baffling that the Government has chosen to defer action on civil trades. Civil construction is the foundation of every housing project, enabling essential services like subdivisions, roads, sewerage, and water. Without a skilled civil workforce, the housing sector simply cannot function. The longer we delay investing in these trades, the further we fall behind on delivering the infrastructure and housing Australians desperately need.”
“Unless the Government is intending to build homes without cleared lots, connective roads and utilities, we are not going to see any progress on housing until the Government prioritises the civil skills that unlock new homes.
The clarification around trades to be funded is all the more critical in light of the Government’s recent announcements of $400 million in housing-enabling infrastructure projects across five states, aimed at unlocking nearly 34,000 new homes. “It’s would be unhelpful for the Government to announce such significant funding for critical infrastructure while refusing to prioritise the skills necessary to deliver these projects. Kicking the can down the road on civil trades would be a glaring oversight,” Mr. Proud added.
Despite ongoing calls from the civil construction sector for greater support for apprenticeships in civil trades, the Government’s inaction jeopardises the timely delivery of essential infrastructure. The longer it delays action, the more strained the workforce becomes, threatening the success of housing-enabling infrastructure projects and other national priorities.
The CCF calls on the Government to act decisively and immediately expand the Key Apprentices Program to include all civil trades. “If the Government is serious about solving the housing crisis and supporting economic growth, it must stop deferring action and invest in the skills and workforce needed to deliver the critical infrastructure projects it has already committed to,” Mr. Proud concluded.
For further information: Rowan Carter, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Civil Contractors Federation (National), 0407 896 862