‘Brain fart’ builder plan
A POWERFUL union representing construction workers has criticised a Territory government plan to force registered builders to gain a university-level diploma.
The NT News this week revealed the government wants to sideline apprentice and certificate IV-trained builders with university qualified tradies.
But MasterBuilders NT, Territory construction figures, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro and even a member of the cabinet have criticised the move.
On Saturday morning, the CFMEU lashed out at the government, describing the proposed change as “Gunner’s brain fart”.
CFMEU assistant secretary Kane Lowth said the changes were dreamt up by “backroom mandarins who have never worked a day on the tools in their airconditioned lives”.
“For decades, the accepted path to becoming a registered builder is completion of the appropriate apprenticeship and gaining invaluable onthe-job experience,” Mr Lowth said.
“This has served the Territory construction industry well. A piece of paper awarded after spending three years in a classroom is no replacement for years of practical, handson training.
“It just beggars belief that the government would even be considering a system which places more stock on a few years of classroom work over decades of real world construction experience.
“This ill-thought and elitist nonsense will drive established, reputable builders out of the industry and will deter many young people from taking up an apprenticeship in the first place.
“We would be better served by a focus on cleaning the rogue builders out of the industry, rather than making life hell for everybody else.
“The proposal needs to be shelved immediately, then buried deep under a fresh concrete pour on the nearest building site.”
The union has joined a growing chorus of critics to the plan.
Ms Finocchiaro described the government’s plan as “elitist and out of touch” and MasterBuilders NT executive director Dave Malone said the government’s plan “closes the door on virtually every tradie, anyone without an advanced diploma or degree”.
One of the Territory’s most respected builders, Neil Sunners, who does not have a degree, said the proposed changes ignore the on-the-job experience gained by tradies and even cabinet member Chansey Paech said the traditional pathway to building and construction jobs was through apprenticeships.
Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler said the government changes were needed to ensure builders were appropriately qualified.
“Registration ensures builders have the appropriate qualifications and experience, and no one could argue this is not important,” Minister Lawler said.
“We must give confidence to consumers and reinforce trust in the industry.”