News | 05 May

Civil Contractors Federation Victoria has called on the newly-elected Federal Government to ensure the civil sector remains central to the national enabling infrastructure and workforce agenda.

Congratulating Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Labor’s re-election win, CCF Victoria CEO Lisa Kinross said it was imperative civil trades were prioritised from day one of the new administration.

“Having been elected by a clear majority means the Government has a strong mandate to prioritise its housing, energy and workforce development agendas,” Ms Kinross said.

“On behalf of our Victorian Board, our members and wider civil industry, we congratulate federal Labor on its re-election. Along with our state branch colleagues, we look forward to working collaboratively with the new Government to deliver its infrastructure program.”

Several significant pre-election commitments from the Government were secured by the Civil Contractors Federation, including:

  • $125 billion national infrastructure pipeline retained, providing long-term certainty for planning and investment.
  • $10,000 apprentice payments for those entering housing construction trades, supporting skills attraction and training.
  • $1 billion for housing-enabling infrastructure through the National Housing Infrastructure Facility, aimed at unlocking land for development through roads, water, sewerage, and utilities.
  • $78 million to fast-track the qualifications of 6,000 current tradies, including bulldozer operators, roller drivers, and other key civil occupations to upskill our workforce.
  • Continued administration of the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU, reinforcing a commitment to industrial accountability and workplace culture reform

“Of particular concern to us is ensuring industry-led independent RTOs are not further marginalised in the push to develop the workforce needed to deliver housing and energy enabling infrastructure,” Ms Kinross said.

“The Government has a huge opportunity now to reverse declining labour force rates and save money by investing in existing training facilities and capacity provided by independent industry and private RTOs that complement TAFE training.

“By partnering with industry and private RTOs and utilising our existing training infrastructure and facilities, the Government can achieve quicker outcomes at a lower cost.”

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