Page 2867 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 13 August 2013
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Thankfully, the momentum for change is growing, and over the last couple of years I have been talking with the construction sector. Last year I was pleased to launch the ACT government’s women in construction project. The aim of the project is to highlight building and construction as a worthwhile career for women and to showcase tradeswomen’s abilities by bringing together a female team who will build two four-bedroom properties for people with disabilities.
The project budget is $800,000 and involves the redevelopment of a housing property in Richardson. The property has been identified for development as part of the normal identification processes that look at the total life cycles and redevelopment potential.
Supporting women in non-traditional trades is something I certainly believe in, and I have worked closely with our partners on this initiative, including the ACT chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction and the local construction group Ruiz Constructions.
The goal is to inspire more women to consider careers in the sector but also to address the gender inequality and skills shortage in the construction industry. I can inform the Assembly that only a couple of weeks ago the project received official building approval and is currently gathering great interest. This project I believe is nation leading in its innovation, and I hope we can build on the momentum it creates.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, in what ways will this project provide positive outcomes for the ACT community?
MS BURCH: The two properties will be purpose built for people with a disability, and this is just one way this project will have positive impacts on our community. The project will not only raise the profile of women working in the construction industry but also will be a positive instrument for change. It will promote and share construction industry best practice and provide networking opportunities with women already in the industry.
A recent discussion paper released by the National Association of Women in Construction tells us that attraction to the industry, workplace culture and the retention of talent in the construction industry are, indeed, problems. As such, the association has placed an emphasis on the need to highlight the diversity of roles within the construction industry, the need for women in construction to form support networks and mentoring partnerships, as well as a need to showcase clear pathways for positive career progression and female role modelling.
We believe that our women in construction project matches to these goals. It will showcase the strengths and positive contributions women can bring to the construction industry, especially the local industry and the overall community. And the project will showcase the varied roles that women can play in the construction industry. I have encouraged all with an interest in construction to look at this project, support it and promote women in construction.
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