Brisbane 2032 Opportunities at Risk for Contractors Under Proposed Code

The Queensland Government has proposed a new Queensland Construction Code that could reshape procurement and industrial arrangements on major publicly funded infrastructure projects.

If adopted, the code would apply to all Brisbane2032 projects, as well as any taxpayer-funded building projects over $10 million and major civil projects over $20 million.

A new approach to major projects

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says the reforms are designed to improve productivity while maintaining safe workplaces and fair pay.

“The Crisafulli government is working hard to restore productivity, protect workers and deliver generational infrastructure,” he said.

Under the proposal, contractors with existing CFMEU agreements would not be eligible to tender for Brisbane2032 projects, unless they enter into new project-specific agreements that comply with the Queensland Construction Code.

The site-specific agreements will move away from the former Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) framework and may involve multiple unions.

Among the proposed changes are restrictions on agreement clauses relating to labour sourcing, fixed rostered days off, last-on-first-off redundancy arrangements, certain all-in pay provisions, right-of-entry conditions and payments linked to industrial action.

QMCA welcomes proposal

The Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA) has backed the proposed reforms, describing them as an opportunity to improve productivity and create more consistent procurement settings.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Chapman said QMCA is looking forward to working constructively with the government as details are finalised.

“This is an opportunity to establish procurement settings that not only support the successful delivery of Brisbane 2032 but also leave a lasting legacy of improved productivity, safer worksites and stronger project delivery across Queensland’s construction industry.”

QCU raises concerns

The proposal has drawn strong opposition from the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU), which argues the code may conflict with Australia’s federal workplace relations framework.

QCU General Secretary Jacqueline King has written to the Commonwealth Government seeking clarification on how the proposed Queensland code would operate alongside federal industrial relations laws, particularly on joint-funded projects.

The QCU has indicated it may challenge the code through the Fair Work Commission if it proceeds.

Ms King has warned that the proposal could create uncertainty across the industry and potentially delay major projects while legal questions are resolved.

CFMEU administrator Michael Crosby has sought an urgent meeting with the Queensland Government, stating that the “entire construction industry has been plunged into uncertainty.”

What happens next?

The proposed code has not yet been finalised. The Queensland Government is expected to consider recommendations from the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU before determining the final framework.

With Brisbane2032 procurement expected to ramp up, the outcome could influence how contractors prepare for future tenders and how industrial arrangements are managed across major infrastructure projects.