The nexus between the demand for infrastructure delivery and the shortage of appropriate engineering and related employment skills in Australia, with particular reference to:
(a) the implications of the shortage for infrastructure delivery in terms of economic development, cost, efficiency, safety and disputation;
(b) the impact of the long-term outsourcing of engineering activities by government on skills development and retention in both the private and public sectors;
(c) options to address the skill shortage for engineers and related trades, and the effectiveness and efficiency of relevant policies, both past and present;
(d) options for infrastructure delivery using alternative procurement models which aim to foster collaboration and achieve effective community outcomes, including skills development and retention;
(e) effective strategies to develop and retain engineering talent in the private and public sectors through industry training and development, at enterprise, project and whole-of sector levels;
(f) opportunities to provide incentives to the private sector through the procurement process to undertake skills development;
(g) consequences of skills shortage in the construction sector to the public sector's capacity to effectively procure and manage infrastructure projects;
(h) the impact of delayed and stalled infrastructure projects on economic development, workplace productivity and employment; and
(i) other related matters.
For further information, contact: Committee Secretary
Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committees
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia