As the clock ticks steadily towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the spotlight intensifies on Queensland’s controversial BPIC (Best Practice Industry Conditions) policy under the Labor government – a subject I find deeply troubling. This policy, affectionately nicknamed the “CFMEU tax” by critics, is a blatant demonstration of how bureaucratic red tape, under the guise of protection, is inflating costs and sapping productivity across our construction sectors. Imagine being bogged down by a policy that could potentially jack up labour expenses by a staggering 30%, all while taking a chainsaw to productivity levels. Yes, you heard that right.

Let me draw your attention to Andrew Chapman, CEO of the Queensland Major Contractors Association, who eloquently breaks down this quagmire in The Courier-Mail. Chapman reveals an unsettling picture: getting rid of BPICs could shave off at least 10-15% on major government projects. Pause and think about that for a moment! In the shadow of the impending $64bn Big Build, a gargantuan four-year program, we’re talking about potential savings upwards of $6bn. That’s almost the entirety of the Brisbane 2032 budget. If that’s not a wake-up call, I don’t know what is.

But the problem doesn’t just stop at spiraling costs. Chapman wisely points out that BPIC policies threaten the very spirit of innovation in our industry. Say goodbye to efficiency-boosting solutions like precast and modular construction methods. Why? Because BPIC ensures they’re off the table, complicating projects and shooting costs through the roof.

Then, there’s the curious case of Premier Steven Miles, who recently waved off advice for a new $3.4bn Victoria Park stadium – a decision strangely out of step with calls for cost-effectiveness. Meanwhile, an industry report slammed Miles and co., highlighting that the crippling BPIC policy is further bloating an already swollen construction price tag.

It’s almost comical, hearing individuals like Miles preach about value-for-money when it’s their policies pouring gasoline on the fire. Yet, the CFMEU and supporters of the BPIC policy champion it as a boon for the industry and taxpayers. A government spokeswoman went as far as to claim that “good wages and conditions” supposedly attract more skilled workers to Queensland. But at what cost?

Chapman hits the nail on the head, advising that focus should shift to the value offered by various options and the long-term costs. Opting for the cheapest route doesn’t inherently guarantee value for money – a fair point. However, when policies such as BPIC place unnecessary strain on budgets and hamper productivity, one must question the real price of adhering to such dogmatic dictates.

As the 2032 Games loom on the horizon, it’s clear the debate over the BPIC policy and its far-reaching impact is far from over. But what also remains glaringly obvious is the detrimental role the CFMEU and such policies play in our industry under the current Labor government. It’s high time for a critical reassessment if we’re to avoid sinking further into this financial quagmire. With the global spotlight soon to be on Queensland, can we afford to let outdated policies and questionable tactics undermine our potential?

What is your opinion on this?