An independent review of the Act that establishes the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) industry is underway.
The Construction Industry Training Fund Act 1993 (the Act) supports training for the building and construction industry as well as establishes the Fund that provides more than $20 million in financial support each year for the provision of construction training programs.
This includes a range of apprenticeship supports, funding for short courses, and the doorways2construction program.
To provide this funding, the Act applies a 0.25 per cent levy on building and construction activity over $40,000 carried out in South Australia.
The Act was last amended in 2019, resulting in changes to the composition of the Board and Board member appointment process. While earlier reviews occurred in 2004, 2005, and 2016, the legislation has not been comprehensively amended since 2001.
While in Opposition, the Labor Party supported an amendment to the Act to conduct a review after its third anniversary – with the review required to look at the effectiveness of the Board following changes made by the former Liberal Government, and the extent to which the Act achieves its objects.
This review will make recommendations on the CITB’s effectiveness, including its ability to improve the quality of training in the construction industry and further positive outcomes for workers, to ensure its role is as effective as it can be for those in the industry.
In doing so, the following matters will be considered:
- The CITB’s composition, administration and operation
- Levy rate and collection
- Allocation of funds obtained through the levy
- Training plans and addressing longer term skills and workforce requirements
Ms Ingrid Haythorpe and Dr Tahnya Donaghy, joint Managing Partners of PEG Consulting, are undertaking this important work. They were chosen for their extensive work in this area, through a procurement process led by Skills SA.
Following early consultation with key stakeholders, PEG Consulting is releasing an issues paper and surveys, which will provide industry and the community with further opportunities to be heard and help shape any recommendations.
To get involved, visit www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/citfactreview.
Quotes
Attributable to Blair Boyer
The Construction Industry Training Board has bolstered our state’s building and construction industry for almost 30 years.
To maintain a strong and relevant Construction Industry Training Board, it is important that a wide-ranging and independent examination of the Construction Industry Training Fund Act 1993 occurs.
The former Liberal Government made changes to the CITB based on ideology. We will consider changes that ensure a stronger construction industry – and that means supporting quality training outcomes for workers and the industry.
I look forward to receiving the final report and hearing the ideas from unions, industry, researchers and other stakeholders to deliver a stronger Construction Industry Training Board for our state’s future.
