Executive Director’s Welcome

BRIAN SEIDLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MBA NSW

TIME IS RIGHT TO BUILD A STRONG FEMALE WORKFORCE

An ambition to triple the number of women working in the construction industry was backed by $20 million commitment in the New South Wales Government’s 22-23 budget.

The NSW Government looks to lead the way with a goal of 15% women in construction by 2030, and reach a more gender balanced industry.

The latest estimates show that skill shortages in the Australian construction industry could top 105,000 by 2023.

Coupled with the largest infrastructure pipeline NSW has ever seen means there is no better time to support more women to pursue a career in the construction industry. The NSW Government funding will go towards breaking down the culture barriers that stop women from considering a career in construction. The NSW government will work towards its 15% goal by shifting the culture in construction and leading by example on its own work sites. The industry needs to ensure women on construction sites have access to adequate and clean amenities, necessary personal protective equipment, that sites are free of offensive materials, as well as promoting more opportunities through flexible working hours. Let’s hope that this approach is adopted by all construction sites to help us all build a brighter future for our industry.