Suppliers tendering for ACT Government construction contracts estimated at $5 million or more may have to meet a 10 per cent target for the number of women employed; commit to improving working conditions for women in construction; and have internal plans in place to achieve gender equity in the workplace.

“We’re proposing to put ‘gender on the tender’,” Chris Steel, ACT Special Minister for State, said.

“With Canberra growing so rapidly and construction ramping up on a number of public and private infrastructure projects, we need to make sure all Canberrans benefit from the boom.”

The ACT Government’s proposed Women in Construction Procurement Policy prioritises contractors with gender equity strategies. It is intended to support the commitments made through the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26; complement ACT Government initiatives to increase female participation and inclusion in the construction industry; reduce the gender bias; and increase the ambition of women and girls to work in the construction industry.

“The ACT Government is committed to removing barriers to enable women and girls to reach their full potential and be leaders in their fields and professions of choice,” Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Women, said.

“In the Second Action Plan 2020-2022 under the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-2026, we outlined actions to support more women to enter and remain in the construction industry – and I’m proud to say we’re making it happen.

“Through attracting women to the construction workforce, we support gender equity while increasing our local skills base.”

The ACT Government invites feedback on the policy at yoursayconversations.act.gov.au.

The community is encouraged to complete the survey, send a written submission or register to take part in a virtual discussion.

The consultation closes on 17 May.

Mr Steel said the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Woden Campus project was a great example of supporting women to work in construction.

As of February, women make up 17 per cent of people working onsite on the CIT Woden Campus project. That number will increase as construction ramps up over the coming months.

“By leveraging its buying power through this policy, the ACT Government will continue to make a positive impact for women working on transformational projects like this one, while delivering the infrastructure our community needs,” Mr Steel said.