Master Builders

Construction industry productivity is of concern because lower productivity means higher taxes are needed to fund the construction of government roads, schools and hospitals. In addition, higher costs to business to fund the construction of retail, office and commercial space are likely to be ultimately passed on to households in the form of higher prices.

Between 2007 and 2013 economist Chris Murphy through Econtech Pty Ltd (trading as Independent Economics between 2011 - 2017) analysed trends in construction industry productivity. It modelled the flow on effects to the wider economy of productivity improvements resulting from improved work practices in the industry brought about by the establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC). 

Between 2008 and 2013, Master Builders Australia commissioned updates of this research. The data analysed for each update has consistently confirmed the original findings. 

The Reports: 

2013 Update

2010 Update

2009 Update