Victoria Becomes First In Australia To Introduce Gender Quotas For Construction Industry
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Victoria will become the first in Australia to introduce gender quotas for the construction industry.
The state government's Building Equality Policy will ensure women are a more familiar sight on worksites across the region.
From next year, women will have to make up at least 3 per cent of trade roles, 7 per cent of non-trade jobs and 35 per cent of management, supervisor and specialist labour positions, according to 9News.
These quotas will only apply to government projects that are worth $20 million or more.
There will be a two-year transition period that will kick off in January to help get in the industry ready for such a change.
The construction industry is one of the most male-dominated in Australia and the Victorian government is keen on levelling the playing field a bit.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said in a statement (via the Herald Sun): ""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.
"Greater diversity makes our workplaces stronger - and greater representation of women in construction will benefit everyone in the industry."
Industrial Relations Minister Tim Pallas added that women will make a big impact in the industry.
"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," he said.
The state government consulted with Victoria's Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC) for the gender quotas to make sure their aims are achievable and fair.
Once the transition period ends on 1 January 2024, worksites who fail to have the proper gender representation will be punished.
The state government hasn't yet outlined what the punishment will be.
BICC acting chair and Master Builders Victoria chief executive Rebecca Casson reckons the quotas are a fantastic way of making sure the construction industry addresses the state's skills shortages.
"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," she said.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Australia
