One year after the announcement at the 2024 Foundations and Frontiers forum that work would begin on a National Construction Strategy, the 2025 event (FF25) will serve as a critical checkpoint—testing whether early momentum has translated into meaningful, measurable progress.

Hosted by the Australian Constructors Association (ACA), FF25 will bring together senior government officials, industry leaders, and union representatives for an outcomes-driven forum focused on what has been delivered—and what still needs to accelerate.

“Foundations and Frontiers isn’t just another industry event—it’s a litmus test for reform,” said ACA CEO Jon Davies.

“We’ll be putting the National Construction Strategy under the spotlight and asking what tangible progress has been made since its development was announced at FF24.”

While initiatives such as the National Construction Strategy and the Blueprint for the Future—developed through the National Construction Industry Forum—represent important steps forward, the benefits are yet to be felt on the ground.

“We’ve seen strong intent—but delivery is the real test. FF25 is about reflecting on progress, identifying what’s still missing and working together—clients, contractors and unions—to unlock the productivity improvements our industry urgently needs.”

A key feature of FF25 will be the release of outcomes from the Leaders Exchange, a high-level roundtable held the evening before the forum. More than 120 senior decision-makers from across the sector will come together to address the $60 billion productivity gap that the industry has faced over the past 30 years.

“We’re narrowing in on a few critical areas where consensus could unlock immediate productivity gains,” said Mr Davies.

“The outcomes of these discussions will contribute to the Queensland Productivity Commission review and feed into the national Economic Reform Roundtable next week.”

FF25 forum details

  • Date: Wednesday 6 August 2025
  • Location: Nissan Arena, Brisbane
  • Attendees: Senior government officials, industry CEOs, union leaders, major supply chain representatives and major project clients