MEA Responds to Queensland Construction Productivity Consultation: Highlighting Key Challenges for Electrical Contractors and the Wider Industry
MEA has recently submitted a comprehensive response to the Queensland Government’s Construction Productivity Consultation. This important review aims to identify the factors impacting productivity across Queensland’s construction sector and develop recommendations to improve outcomes for all stakeholders.
While MEA’s submission focuses on challenges faced by small and medium-sized electrical contractors, the issues raised also impact the wider construction industry across Queensland.
Key Issues Impacting Electrical Contractors and the Construction Sector
Our submission highlights systemic barriers that are limiting productivity and driving up construction costs. These issues not only affect electrical contractors but also have wider implications for the construction industry and Queensland communities. Some of the key concerns raised include:
- Security of Payment and Unfair Contract Terms: Subcontractors often face delayed payments and unfair contract conditions that undermine financial stability and project cash flow.
- Greater Financial Support for Small Businesses to Train Apprentices: Developing a skilled workforce is critical, yet many small electrical businesses, despite being at the forefront of attracting new apprentices, struggle to access sufficient funding and resources to recruit and train them.
- Regional Procurement Challenges: Procurement policies in regional areas sometimes disadvantage local small businesses, limiting economic participation and impacting project delivery.
- Free Access to Australian Standards: Access to these essential compliance and safety documents should be unrestricted to reduce cost burdens and ensure best practices across the industry.
- Supporting Small Businesses to Remain Viable and Competitive: Despite being the cornerstone of the construction industry, small businesses face increasing resource pressures and require targeted support to maintain their viability and contribute effectively to projects.
- Delays in EQL Energy Connections: Ongoing delays with energy supply connections, especially for terrace-style housing, hinder timely project completion.
- Inefficient Builder Pre-Qualification and Induction Processes: Administrative inefficiencies slow down project starts and add to operational costs for electrical contractors.
Broader Impacts and the Need for Reform
These issues collectively contribute to inflated project costs, extended delivery timelines, and increased cost-of-living pressures for Queenslanders. MEA strongly believes that addressing these barriers is essential not only for the electrical contracting sector but also to improve productivity and efficiency across Queensland’s construction industry as a whole.
MEA’s Commitment to Advocacy
Master Electricians Australia remains committed to advocating for meaningful reforms that support small and medium electrical contractors. We will continue to work with government, industry bodies, and other stakeholders to promote policies that drive productivity improvements, enhance workforce development, and foster a more competitive and sustainable construction sector.
🔗 Read MEA’s full submission, including all issues raised and detailed recommendations here
