Released 31/03/2023
The ACT Government believes all women and girls should be able to reach their full potential and be leaders in their fields and professions of choice.
Women don't usually get that choice in construction, and we want to change that.
The ACT Government's proposed Women in Construction Procurement Policy supports the commitments made through the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26 to establish procurement that prioritises contractors with gender equity strategies.
It complements a range of ACT Government initiatives to increase female participation and inclusion in the construction industry.
The policy will require suppliers who are tendering for ACT Government construction contracts estimated at $5 million or more to:
- Meet set targets for the number of women employed in different job categories (e.g., tradesperson, apprentice and leadership roles)
- Improve working conditions for women in construction
- Have internal plans in place to achieve gender equity in the workplace
It will also contribute to reducing the gender bias and increase the ambition of women and girls to take up careers in the construction industry.
The ACT Government now invites feedback on the policy at yoursayconversations.act.gov.au.
The community is encouraged to complete the survey, send a written submission or register to take part in a virtual discussion.
The consultation closes on 17 May 2023.
Quotes attributable to Special Minister for State Chris Steel:
“With Canberra growing so rapidly and construction ramping up on a number of public and private infrastructure projects, we need to make sure all Canberrans benefit from the boom.
“That’s why we’re proposing to put ‘gender on the tender’ with a 10 per cent target for the proportion of women employed in the construction of ACT Government-backed projects.
“The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Woden Campus project is a great example of supporting women to work in construction. Through the project’s social objectives, we are working closely with delivery partners Lendlease to create a diverse workplace.
“As of February 2023, women make up 17 per cent of people working onsite on the CIT Woden Campus project — with that number due to increase as construction ramps up over the coming months.
“By leveraging its buying power through this policy, the ACT Government will continue to make a positive impact for women working on transformational projects like this one, while delivering the infrastructure our community needs.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Yvette Berry:
“The ACT Government is committed to removing barriers to enable women and girls to reach their full potential and be leaders in their fields and professions of choice.
“In the Second Action Plan 2020-2022 under the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-2026 we outlined actions to support more women to enter and remain in the construction industry – and I’m proud to say we’re making it happen.
“Through attracting women to the construction workforce we support gender equity while increasing our local skills base.”
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases