Brickworks laments lack of Victorian consultation

BRICKWORKS managing director Lindsay Partridge has lamented the sudden shutdown of Victoria’s construction industry but believes once the economy is reopened there will be a strong rebound in building activity. “I feel that there should have been more consultation with industry and a greater notice,’’ Mr Partridge (inset) said.

He said that in NSW it had taken between six and eight weeks for the industry to regain its momentum when construction was opened up again, and he expected a similar timeline for Victoria.

His comments came as Brickworks, the country’s largest brickmaker, unveiled a 20 per cent slide in full-year net profit to $239m on Thursday.

The annual profit was pushed lower partly by significant items. Brickworks declared a final dividend of 40c a share, fully franked. Its shares rose 2.4 per cent to $25.06 on Thursday.