Coalition pledges $675k for women in construction

In conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8, Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dywer has announced a funding of $675,000 for Women Building Australia, a program established by Master Builders Australia to increase the participation of young women in the sector.

The announcement follows a successful 12-month trial of the program which provides mentoring and career support to women already in the construction sector, as well as those seeking a career path within the industry.

“The construction industry is Australia’s third largest industry and employs more than one million Australians,” O’Dwyer said.

“With an additional 300,000 people needed to enter the industry over the next decade, there are great professional and career opportunities for Australian women in the sector.

“Whilst the sector has traditionally been male dominated, statistics have shown that women working in the building and construction industry leads to better business performance and workplace morale, and a decrease in mental illness rates.

“By introducing more Australian girls to the industry, and supporting Australian women already in the industry, we can build a great future for women working in building and construction.”

Master Builders Australia CEO, Denita Wawn, welcomed the funding and said it will give the Women Building Australia program a much needed boost.

“The program will deliver three 12 month mentoring programs nationally over a three year period and raise awareness about the huge range of rewarding and fulfilling careers in our industry at careers expos around the country,” she said.

“The pilot mentoring program reinforced the importance of supporting women starting their careers in construction and facing the daily challenges of working in a male dominated industry.”