The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has called on all Australian governments to embed the Construction Industry Culture Standard into procurement for major infrastructure projects, warning that improving workplace culture is essential to attract and retain skilled workers.
The Culture Standard, developed in partnership with the NSW Government and Victorian Government, has already been trialled successfully on major projects and is being adopted by early movers, including the ACT Government. Evidence from these trials shows the standard improves workforce outcomes without adding time or cost to projects.
Independent research on projects such as the Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment in NSW and the Narre Warren–Cranbourne Road Upgrade in Victoria found measurable benefits for workers and project delivery. Embedding the standard can improve retention, increase female participation, and enhance productivity and worker wellbeing, all without affecting budgets or schedules.
Designed to be part of public sector procurement, the Culture Standard establishes minimum expectations across working hours, workforce diversity, and health and wellbeing, making improved work practices a baseline requirement rather than an optional add-on.
The ACA says that while some jurisdictions have begun implementing the standard, widespread adoption is needed to achieve consistent and sustainable improvements across the construction industry.
The Culture Standard and supporting research can be accessed at cultureinconstruction.com.au.
