Queensland construction inquiry calls for new code and regulator

Queensland's CFMEU inquiry has recommended a new construction industry code and a dedicated regulator in an interim report delivered ahead of its final findings. Commissioner Stuart Wood said evidence heard so far created an urgent need for change.

The proposed regulator would educate the industry and enforce compliance with the code. Exclusion from future government-funded work would be available to encourage compliance among contractors and subcontractors.

The commissioner also criticised the former Best Practice Industry Conditions policy. In the projects examined, he found the policy had increased costs by at least 20 per cent, a figure he described as conservative.

The state government had not yet responded to the interim report. The inquiry's final report is due in December 2027. This is the Queensland inquiry and is separate from proceedings concerning construction projects in Victoria.