For years, there has been a major focus on Australia's construction industry, exacerbated by housing shortages and large infrastructure projects.

Login or signup to continue reading

It's bled into our social lives, how we spend our money, and it might even be impacting the number of children we have.

Recent data from Oxford Economics says births are forecast to fall to the lowest level in two decades, due to unattainable property prices and cost-of-living pressures.

There are multitudes of social, economic and policy factors stretching the average Australian's ability to own their own home. But perhaps one of the most impactful is the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry.

Skills gaps have been a major barrier to Australian businesses, with overall skill shortages and technical skill gaps in the construction industry reported by 76 per cent of businesses.

The sector is under immense pressure to meet skyrocketing demands, and skill shortages are inhibiting the challenge. And unbeknownst to many, it isn't just residential housing that is vying for their attention.

Demand for property has coincided with outdated public infrastructure. We've had a massive increase in the commissioning of new public service projects, as well as existing public service upgrades.

A recent detailed analysis conducted by NSW Productivity Commissioner called on state and federal governments to stop spending money on infrastructure to free up the construction industry to build more homes. Suggesting the projects are diverting resources from home building to public infrastructure projects.

While public service projects may be a sponge for skilled........

© The Examiner