MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

from Civil Connect Issue 1 2022 Championing our Committees

WOMEN IN CIVIL

The first quarter of 2022 has been eventful, if not challenging – fuel and cost escalation, contract terms, project pipeline, procurement practices, work force capacity and capability (to name a few), have all dominated our conversations with you, as had the 2022 State Election.

As we move forward with our new State Government team, we will push on with matters impacting your business, so please keep us informed of what is working for you and what is not. Let’s keep the conversation going so we can build an industry that is strong with investments and relentless with growth, to meet the ever-increasing infrastructure needs of our state and community. This edition of Civil Connect is a diverse read as always, and I hope you will enjoy it.

Rebecca Pickering with the

Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP of South Australian Labor Party, and Charles Hatcher,

President of CCF SA. WRITTEN BY REBECCA PICKERING chief executive officer & executive director civil apprenticeships & careers ltd

2022 STATE ELECTION

Before launching into this Civil Connect edition, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Steven Marshall and the Liberal Party of Australia (South Australian Division), particularly during these most unprecedented of times, for their commitment and service to the state.

We would also like to congratulate Peter Malinauskas on being elected the 47th Premier of South Australia. At our Great Debate event in 2021, we invited the Honourable Tom Koutsantonis, MP of the South Australian Labor Party, to share his vision for our state’s infrastructure and civil industry. This kicked off our newly formed and positive relationship with the Labor Party and the momentum hasn’t stopped. Most recently, we again welcomed Tom Koutsantonis to participate in an open and frank discussion with civil industry leaders at CCF SA’s ‘The Forecast for Civil 2022-2026’ event on 10 March 2022. Koutsantonis’ presentation was delivered with the candour and passion clearly felt by those in the room. The Labor Government’s ‘Making the Public Dollar Work’ commitments were discussed, and the positive promises were further backed by the media release ‘Labor to Back SA Businesses with Major New Reforms for Government Spending’. We are pleased to have come away with the understanding that Labor’s preelection commitments are in keeping with those of CCF SA’s ‘Digging Deep for South Australia Civil Infrastructure Priorities’ document developed with industry for industry mid-2021. THE GOOD NEWS KEPT ROLLING DURING PRE-ELECTION – WE WERE RECENTLY ALSO INFORMED THAT CCF SA WOULD BE INVITED FOR REGULAR MONTHLY LABOR CABINET BRIEFINGS TO PRESENT IDEAS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REFORM.

We’re pleased to be working with our new Premier, Peter Malinauskas, and his team, to continue reforming, building, and growing South Australia. We are also eagerly awaiting the news of the appointments of Ministers to various state government portfolios, including: Infrastructure and Transport, Industry and Higher Education, Industrial Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs, Education, and, Training and Skills.

COSTS

We are continuing our work both locally and nationally with regards to contract terms, particularly considering the ongoing and ever-growing cost escalation concerns related to materials and fuel. Our work will continue with state government agencies, local government, private clients, and suppliers, to support equitable and fair outcomes for all.

TAKE CARE

During these times, CCF SA calls for all businesses to remain focused on sound business practices and contract management, to reduce risks. We are in the ‘perfect storm’ of increasing materials costs, COVID-19 induced delays, and disruptions to supply chains and labour markets, all of which are putting immense pressure on our civil industry. Sadly, we have already witnessed both ProBuild and Condev leave our broader building and construction industry. We respectfully encourage all civil contractors to be vigilant and watch for ‘early warning signs’ such as delayed payments and risk allocations. AS ALWAYS, PLEASE READ YOUR CONTRACTS CAREFULLY, ENGAGE LEGAL ADVICE IF NECESSARY, AND NEGOTIATE TERMS ACCORDINGLY. SKILLED MIGRATION

CCF SA has successfully lobbied both the state and federal governments for significant changes to the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA), and we are delighted to report both Civil Construction Supervisor and Civil Construction Tradesperson have now been recognised. This win supports our civil industry to build its work force with the support of skilled migration. Workers (up to 55 years of age) holding these two professions now have a pathway to permanent residency in South Australia. CCF SA will be holding workshops in the coming weeks to support the industry’s use of this critical opportunity.

RED TAPE

The focus on ‘red tape reduction’ will remain, to ensure all businesses, no matter their size, can operate in optimal environments. Running a business is hard enough and South Australia needs many more local civil businesses. We need those existing to continue operating with a growth mindset, and we need new businesses to commence. Issues relating to the current Construction Industry Long Service Leave Act 1987 (CILSL Act) continue to concern the industry, hamper growth, and stifle investment. We must address red tape to improve business operations. And maintain relentless focus in this area.

HERE FOR YOU

As CCF SA members, we thank you for your unwavering support to your industry. Your CCF SA membership supports our industry and community, not just your business. The CCF SA team is dedicated to meeting your needs and keeping you informed. With several critical concerns confronting the industry, and more anticipated, we encourage you make your voice heard. Your feedback will help to guide us on what we can do to ensure your business and our industry have what they need to succeed. We look forward to hearing from you.