Construction industry leaders call for productivity and regulatory reforms

Leaders in the construction sectors of the United Kingdom and Australia are calling for structural reforms to address long-standing issues regarding productivity, skills, and industry standards.

In the UK, David Frise, CEO of the Building Engineering Services Association, emphasized that the industry must take individual responsibility for addressing poor quality, low productivity, and unethical payment practices. He noted that the Building Safety Act provides a critical legislative platform to transform procurement processes and move toward a more value-driven industry.

In Australia, Peter Colacino, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association, argued that the sector's primary challenge is not a lack of workers, but rather low productivity caused by outdated processes, excessive red tape, and a mismatch in regulatory resourcing. He highlighted that government focus is shifting toward productivity, with the Commonwealth currently consulting on new construction industry standards to improve project delivery and contract structuring.