A clear roadmap to clean up the construction sector has been put forward, with Master Builders Australia outlining a six-point plan aimed at strengthening integrity, compliance and long-term industry confidence.
Representing more than 32,000 builders nationwide, the organisation is calling for practical, enforceable reforms — with a focus on preventing misconduct and building a more transparent, accountable sector.
A long-term approach to reform
At the centre of the plan is the continuation of the administration of the CFMEU, ensuring oversight remains in place long enough to embed meaningful change.
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Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said reform needs to be seen as an ongoing process, not a one-off fix.
“We have consistently said that the Administration of the CFMEU was the first step, not the only step to resolving the problems that have plagued the industry. Now that Administration has been embedded, we call upon the Federal Government to step up and focus on the next steps,” said Ms Wawn.
Strengthening protections and accountability
A key pillar of the plan is improving protections for whistleblowers, ensuring workers feel safe to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
Alongside this, Master Builders is pushing for a stronger “fit and proper person” test — designed to prevent individuals who have engaged in unlawful behaviour from re-entering the industry or shifting into adjacent sectors.
These measures are aimed at lifting overall accountability, while reinforcing a culture where compliance is the norm rather than the exception.
Reforming rules to support fair competition
The plan also targets structural issues that can limit productivity and fair competition. This includes banning restrictive clauses in enterprise agreements that reduce flexibility or give undue influence over subcontractor selection.
In parallel, proposed changes to competition laws would see them applied more directly in industrial settings — addressing practices such as secondary boycotts and cartel-like behaviour.
Together, these reforms are intended to create a more level playing field for businesses, while improving efficiency across projects.
A dedicated enforcement framework
Another major recommendation is the creation of a specialist, industry-specific compliance and enforcement body with the powers and resources to operate across jurisdictions.
The goal is simple: ensure rules are consistently applied and that enforcement keeps pace with the scale and complexity of modern construction.
“We all know that more needs to be done. This six-point plan is based on robust investigations and findings of past legal processes including royal commissions, reviews and inquiries. We know that developing, legislating and implementing reform takes time, and the time to start this next tranche of work is today,” Ms Wawn said.
Setting clear standards for the future
Importantly, the plan calls for clear benchmarks to be established before any oversight measures are lifted — ensuring reforms are fully embedded and sustainable.
“The Federal Government must ensure there is agreement as to what clear, high standard pre-conditions are required and fully embedded before Administration is eventually lifted.”
For Master Builders, the message is straightforward: lasting change will require coordinated action, strong enforcement and a commitment to higher standards across the board.
“Criminal behaviour cannot be accepted in today’s Australia, and it cannot be repeated. There is no place for crime, corruption or coercion in Australia’s building and construction industry,” concluded Ms Wawn.
