15 December 2023
2023 has been another packed year for our Policy Committees, Divisions and Subcommittees. Member representatives on these committees were elected at the end of 2022 for a three year term.
Members volunteer their time on these committees, contributing to the development of policy and advocacy focus areas for our organisation. Members are able to influence key issues for our industry and Master Builders in turn gains important industry insights from our committee members.
We’re currently working on our Policy and Advocacy Agenda for next year, which will be available on our website in early 2024.
Housing Sector Committee (Policy Committee)
Chair: Steve Havas (Garth Chapman Queenslanders SEQ, Board member)
Focus areas in 2023 included:
- National Construction Code (NCC) changes and Queensland Development Code amendments
- Home Warranty Insurance review
- QBCC powers including licence conditions for late lodgement of annual reporting
- Master Builders cost plus with capped price contract
- Licensing
- Election advocacy strategy
- Energy Efficiency and Master Builders Preliminary Agreement
Construction Sector Committee (Policy Committee)
Chair: Chris Taylor (Taylor Builders, Board member)
In 2023 the Committee considered:
- Risk allocation in commercial contracts including government building contracts
- Project trust account issues
- Best Practice Principles prequalification
- Guidance on overheads
- Developer review
- NCC changes impacting class 2 – 9 buildings (e.g. EV charging capability)
Institute of Building Consultations (IBC) (Division)
Chair: Don Dixon (D&D Dixon, Board member)
The IBC is a Division of Master Builders Queensland. 2023 saw a continuation of the challenges from the previous year, including NCC changes and the Queensland Development Code variations. Other industry challenges include labour shortages, price increases and insolvencies.
Professional indemnity insurance remains an issue and Master Builders is investigating the possibility of offering a Public Indemnity insurance product for IBC members.
During the year, IBC breakfast events were held and members were taken on a tour of the Knauf manufacturing facility at Pinkenba.
Regional Committees of Management
We have 10 Committees of Management for our 8 regions and 2 branches. Each Committee has a chair and considers matters relevant to their area. Matters arising from Committees of Management may be referred to a Policy Committee for further consideration.
Contracts Subcommittee
Chair: Liam O’Rourke (BESIX Watpac)
The Committee oversaw the first survey of members undertaking government building projects which will now be an annual survey, to assist in advocacy with the Queensland government on risk allocation, tender process and contract administration.
The Committee also considered:
- Payment for off-site work
- Security under the contract
- Unfair contract terms
- Dispute resolution clause in Master Builders residential contracts
Work Health & Safety Subcommittee
Chair: Daniel Dunne (Paynters)
The subcommittee considered and provided input and feedback to the Housing & Construction committees and various Government policy matters, including the:
- WHS Act review
- Introduction of the Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements Code of Practice
- Introduction of the Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice
- Mobile Crane Code of Practice review
- Steel Construction Code of Practice review
- Worker Consultation, Representation and Participation Strategy of WHSQ
- Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner review
- Tilt Up and Precast Concrete Elements safety alerts, and Code of Practice review
Industrial Relations Subcommittee
Chair: Lawrie Turner (Arden Architectural Staircases)
The subcommittee’s focus for this year was not just on industrial relations, but a range of employment and workplace related matters, including:
- Industry Enterprise Bargaining Agreements
- Best Practice Principles prequalification
- Changes to the Fair Work Act
- Workers Compensation Scheme review
Environment Subcommittee
Chair: Amelia Simony (FEFO Consulting)
The subcommittee has considered and discussed the challenges in achieving environmental compliance, and best practice, in our industry, and identifying services and support Master Builders should provide members to assist them with these challenges.
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