CFMEU wants Best Practice Industry Conditions policy rebranded not scrapped
The CFMEU has launched a last-ditch effort to rebrand its controversial Best Practice Industry Conditions policy ahead of a decision that could lead to it being permanently scrapped.
The CFMEU has called for Queensland’s Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) policy to be rebranded rather than scrapped, insisting 26 rostered days off and extreme weather protections must be retained on government construction projects to ensure delivery of Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure.
In a confidential submission, the union urged the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) to abandon its recommendation to permanently remove BPIC, labelling the move “right-winged”.
It rejected the commission’s modelling on weather delays, RDOs and union meetings as exaggerated, and accused it of misrepresenting industry practice.
The CFMEU argued BPIC wages simply mirrored long-standing Tier 1 EBAs and interstate standards, not inflated costs.
Using rates from major builder Hutchinsons, the union said carpenters in Queensland could earn up to $59 an hour under free-market EBAs compared with $54 under BPIC.
“Alternatively, a new procurement code should be implemented that ensures government purchasing power is used to improve labour standards and best practice employment,” the union wrote.
“Public money should be given to businesses that operate to a high ethical standard, not used to undercut these businesses in a race-to-the-bottom due to a narrow and misguided understanding of ‘value for money’.”
CFMEU Queensland executive officer Jared Abbott there was also evidence that BPIC boosted apprentice numbers.
“Queenslanders expect world-class infrastructure and the only way to build it is through practical solutions that guarantee safe worksites, good wages and local jobs,” he said.
“Attacking or sidelining the CFMEU won’t cut costs or deliver projects faster.”
The union also criticised the QPC for claiming BPIC accounted for half of project delays and a third of cost blowouts without releasing supporting modelling.
Dubbed the “CFMEU tax”, BPIC policy drew fierce criticism in 2024 for assisting “sweetheart deals” between the Labor government and unions.
The policy, which forced builders into agreements for government works valued more than $100m, was blamed for inflating project costs and limiting competition.
Its provisions - such as double pay when it rains, temperature-based shutdowns, rigid prequalification requirements and “bonus” allowances - were portrayed as impractical and distorting procurement.
Shortly after winning power, the LNP suspended BPIC on new major government projects, citing Treasury modelling that claimed BPIC drove cost blowouts of up to 25 per cent and would cost Queensland billions.
The government said the pause would let smaller firms compete, remove unnecessary overheads, and boost productivity.
Cabinet is expected to consider the permanent scrapping of the policy at the completion of the QPC inquiry into the construction industry next month.
Originally published as CFMEU wants Best Practice Industry Conditions policy rebranded not scrapped
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