Released 03/09/2025
The ACT Government is driving a positive shift in the local construction industry by implementing the Culture in Construction Standard, supporting long-term sustainability and a safer, more inclusive workplace culture.
Leading by example, the ACT Government is adopting the Culture Standard across all government-funded infrastructure projects and working closely with industry partners to do the same.
“The ACT Government has an ambitious pipeline of infrastructure investment, with several major projects underway across the city,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“The local construction industry is one of our largest economic contributors and employers. Supporting this sector to grow and thrive is an important focus.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and valued at work. By implementing this standard, we’re improving the culture for those delivering infrastructure in the ACT and addressing barriers to attract and retain the skilled workforce needed for future projects.”
Over the next 12 months, Infrastructure Canberra (iCBR) with Procurement ACT will embed the Culture Standard into the ACT Procurement Framework for infrastructure projects. This integration will deliver a range of benefits, including:
- reducing regulatory burden for suppliers through simplified procurement requirements
- aligning thresholds for simplified procurement, improving consistency for suppliers and buyers, and
- commencing the streamlining of the ACT Procurement Framework for infrastructure.
The ACT Government Culture in Construction Advisory Group - with representatives from Procurement ACT, unions, and industry bodies from across sectors - has identified procurement as the most powerful lever to drive positive behaviour and meaningful improvements across the sector.
“By embedding the Culture Standard into our procurement ecosystem, we are reinforcing our commitment to inclusive, fair and efficient infrastructure delivery,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“This supports local industry, promotes gender equity and driving better outcomes for all Canberrans.
“Since late 2024, iCBR has consulted with industry and unions to shape how the Standard will be implemented. This collaboration will continue as we update the procurement framework to support industry adoption, and already we’re seeing the benefits - open conversations about psychological safety and compassionate leadership while maintaining a focus on delivering quality, on time and on budget.”
The Culture in Construction Standard, developed by the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce, provides a framework to address challenges facing the industry, focussing on:
- Time for life - promoting work-life balance through reduced hours and five-day work weeks, improving safety, morale, and productivity without increasing costs.
- Wellbeing - focusing on mental health and psychological safety, with proactive measures to reduce stress, fatigue, and burnout.
- Diversity and inclusion - supporting a safer, more innovative workforce through inclusive amenities, flexible work, and pathways for underrepresented groups.
More information on the Culture in Construction Standard is available at: https://www.constructionindustryculturetaskforce.com.au/.
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Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases