PCA backs opposition's commitment to boosting productivity and safety in construction

The Federal Opposition has made a commitment to restore the Australian Building and Construction Committee, a move which has been applauded by the Property Council of Australia (PCA).

PCA chief executive officer Peter Verwer said that reinstating a cop on construction sites will ensure the rules of civil society are observed at all times.

"A tough cop on the construction beat will tackle disruptive criminal activity on construction sites, boost productivity and improve safety," he explained in a statement, released May 7.

In a report from the Victorian branch of Master Builders Australia (MBA), data showed that in the past year to February, building investment in the out-east of Melbourne alone dropped from $3.1 billion to $2.7 billion, putting a strain on the construction industry.

Verwer was weary of these falls when he said: "Construction activity is at record lows, which subjects workers, subbies and trade suppliers (and their families) to tremendous stress."

Brian Welch of MBA said "local residents rely on our industry to build their homes and workplaces and to deliver new or improved community assets like schools, hospitals and roads."

With this in mind, the PCA is hopeful that the opposition's commitment to the industry will be a change for good for the sector.