The Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) has said that the construction industry has to do more to lift female participation in all sectors and that it is a priority for the ACIF.

Next Monday 8 March 2021 is International Women’s Day and ACIF executive director James Cameron says: “We would like to create an industry in which women would like to start a career, build a career and stay in the industry for the long-term.

“The construction industry needs the valuable talents and skills of female professionals and tradespeople. Therefore, more needs to be done to encourage female employment in the industry, and for school-age girls to follow STEM educational pathways.”

Speaking of the culture in the industry, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is working on addressing some of the cultural issues in the industry.

It aims to strengthen the rule of law on construction sites and by all players in the industry.

“Bullying and intimidation have no place in the construction industry, and the ABCC also undertakes valuable and successful efforts in ensuring that workers receive the pay that they are entitled to,” James adds.

“The Commissioner of the ABCC, Stephen McBurney, presented to ACIF members last week, and that was very much appreciated.”