Victorian Government introduces gender quotas in construction sector

From 2022 onwards, Victorians will see a much more diverse workforce in the construction industry, thanks to a new mandate introduced by the Andrews Government this week.

Dubbed the Building Equality Policy (BEP), the mandate aims to increase female participation and inclusion in the building and construction sectors, which has traditionally been very male dominated.

The BEP will apply to new government projects and mandates female representation in at least three per cent of each trade role, seven per cent of each non-trade position and 35 per cent of management, supervisor and specialist labour roles.

In effect from January 1, 2022, the BEP also mandates that four per cent of labour hours for apprentices and trainees will be required to be performed by women.

The Government has invested $3.5 million to support the implementation of the policy and a further $1.5 million for the delivery of medium and long-term actions from the Women in Construction Strategy 2019-22.

Over the past 30 years, women have consistently comprised only two to three per cent of the construction workforce, with the coronavirus pandemic having a disproportionate impact on women’s workforce participation, employment and economic security.

The new requirements are being introduced through Victoria’s Social Procurement Framework (SPF) for works valued at $20 million or more over the life of the project.

The BEP was developed in collaboration with Victoria’s Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC). The council will also continue to provide support and guidance to help industry understand their obligations and comply.

Victorian Minister for Industrial Relations, Tim Pallas, said the BEP is the first step in introducing better gender diversity in the construction workforce.

“It’s essential to cement the role of women in a modern construction industry and we’ve worked with employers, industry and unions to work towards these targets.”

Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, said greater representation of women in construction will benefit everyone in the industry.

“We need to make women aware that construction is an attractive and viable career option – and these targets will ensure women are proactively included and stay in the industry, with stronger career pathways.”

Master Builders Victoria welcomed the mandate but said more needs to be done to attract and retain females in the construction workforce.

“More women are active in building and construction now than in the past, but they still make up just 2.5 per cent of all building and construction trades workers in Victoria,” said Master Builders Victoria CEO, Rebecca Casson.

“Our sector must change if it is to reduce skills shortages and have a thriving and sustainable future.”

Employers will have a two-year transition period to understand the policy and comply before action on non-compliance kicks in from January 2024.