Government Launches Inquiry into Construction Sector Productivity – Your Feedback Needed

The Queensland Government has tasked the newly established Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) with conducting an inquiry into opportunities to improve productivity within the construction sector.

The Inquiry will examine key factors impacting productivity across residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction in Queensland, with a focus on streamlining regulation, addressing skills shortages, supporting innovation, and improving the delivery of housing and public infrastructure.

The Queensland construction sector is a critical pillar of the state’s economy, contributing $37.6 billion in economic output and employing 279,000 people in 2023–24. However, productivity growth in the sector has been consistently weak compared to other parts of the economy. With rising costs, labour shortages, and ambitious housing targets, including the Government’s commitment to deliver one million new dwellings by 2044, improving productivity has become a top priority.

The Commission is seeking input from all stakeholders, including construction businesses, subcontractors, consultants, unions, industry groups, and the public. The inquiry will consider issues such as:

• Input costs, labour supply and skills development
• Regulatory duplication across local, state and Commonwealth levels
• Access to government procurement opportunities for regional contractors
• Barriers to innovation, investment and industry participation
• Government contracting practices, including Best Practice Industry Conditions
• How existing policy settings influence construction productivity and workforce outcomes

A full copy of the Terms of Reference is available below. 

terms of reference

Have Your Say

MPAQ is meeting the Productivity Commissioner and will be preparing a formal submission on behalf of members and encourages all members to contribute their views and experiences, this is due on 2 June 2025. If you have any feedback on any issues impacting productivity in your business or the broader plumbing industry, please email penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au by Monday 26 May.