The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) is calling on all Australian governments to embed the Construction Industry Culture Standard into procurement processes for major infrastructure projects, warning that without action to improve the culture of the industry it will struggle to recruit and retain the workers it needs.

ACA CEO Jon Davies said the Culture Standard, developed in close partnership with the NSW and Victorian governments, has been successfully trialled on major projects and is already being adopted by first movers, including the ACT Government.

“After years of development, trialling and research, the evidence is clear,” said Mr Davies.

“The Construction Industry Culture Standard delivers measurable improvements for workers without adding cost or time to projects. Governments now have a practical, proven tool to improve the attractiveness of the industry and address workforce shortages.”

Mr Davies said the need for action is urgent.

“With demand surging across transport, health, energy transition, defence and Olympic infrastructure, the industry must become more attractive not only to bring in new workers, but to retain the people it already has.”

Trials on major projects, including the Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment in NSW and the Narre Warren–Cranbourne Road Upgrade in Victoria, dismissed early concerns about budget or schedule impacts. Independent research found no adverse effects on cost or delivery time, and instead identified significant gains:

  • Retention improvements estimated to save $383–771 million annually across NSW and Victoria.
  • Female participation increased to 32% of project staff, compared with the industry average of 24%.
  • Projects implementing a five‑day work week reported higher productivity and improved worker wellbeing, with no added cost or delays.

The Culture Standard is designed to be embedded in public sector procurement so that improved work practices become a baseline requirement rather than an optional add‑on. It sets minimum expectations across three core pillars: working hours, workforce diversity, and health/ wellbeing.

“Some jurisdictions have already taken important first steps,” said Mr Davies.

“What we need now is widespread adoption to ensure consistent, sustainable improvements across the entire industry.”

The ACA is calling on all governments to implement the Standard, helping build national momentum toward a healthier, more productive and people‑focused construction sector.

The Culture Standard and supporting research are available at cultureinconstruction.com.au.