Victoria to introduce new mandated targets for female representation in construction

The Andrews Government will introduce a new policy that will see state construction jobs have mandated numbers of female workers.

State construction jobs will have mandated numbers of female workers under a major new policy by the Andrews Government to get more women into the industry.

From January 1 2022, Victoria will have a new Building Equality Policy that requires levels of female representation on new governemt projects valued above $20 million.

It will spell out that women work in at least 3 per cent of jobs in each trade role on a project, 7 per cent for each non-trade position and 35 per cent of management, supervisor and specialist labour roles.

There will be a two-year transition period and sites that do not meet these quotas will only be penalised from January 2024.

“We need to make women aware that construction is an attractive and viable career option – and these targets will ensure women are proactively included and stay in the industry, with stronger career pathways,” Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said.

“Greater diversity makes our workplaces stronger – and greater representation of women in construction will benefit everyone in the industry.”

Engineering cadets and Suburban Rail Loop executive general manager Nicole Stoddart. Picture Jay Town

Victoria’s Building Industry Consultative Council were consulted in developing the new policy.

BICC acting chair and Master Builders Victoria chief executive Rebecca Casson said the sector needed to change to reduce skills shortages and to thrive in the future.

“More women are active in building and construction now than in the past, but they still make up just 2.5 per cent of all building and construction trades workers in Victoria,” she said.

Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas said the targets were the first step to getting more women in construction.

“It’s essential to cement the role of women in a modern construction industry and we’ve worked with employers, industry and unions to work towards these targets.”