Gender quotas to be introduced in Victoria’s construction industry

State construction jobs will have female worker mandates under a new Andrews government policy.

From the beginning of 2022, the Building Equality Policy will be enforced on all new government projects valued at $20 million or more.

Under the policy, women must work in at least three per cent of trade roles on a project, seven per cent of non-trade positions and 35 per cent of management, supervisor and specialist labour roles.

There will be a two year grace period, with sites which don’t meet the quotas facing penalties from 2024.

Acting CEO of Master Builders Victoria, Saeed Mirbagher, supports the policy.

“It’s a marginal increase,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

“Building and construction has always been a male dominated industry, but that needs to change.”

Mr Mirbagher said other changes need to be made to make construction sites more appealing workplaces for women.

“We need to address the toilets issue at the building and construction sites,” he said.

He says the quotas will help reduce skills shortages.

“This pandemic showed us how the skills shortage became a major issue for all of us,” Mr Mirbagher said.

Press PLAY below to hear more about why Master Builders Victoria supports the policy