Building and construction businesses see government relief

“The measures to give relief on contract terms and speed up payments announced by the Minister for Finance [on Monday, 11 May] is an extremely positive initiative that will bolster confidence among building and construction businesses working on federally funded construction projects,” Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, said.

“It’s very pleasing to see the government making an effort to be a ‘model procurer’ and setting a good example in providing relief to businesses whose provision of goods and services is affected by COVID-19,” she said.

“Master Builders has been calling for this measure since the onset of the economic emergency brought on by the coronavirus, and it’s really good to see the government has been listening.

“We must also give credit to the Defence Department, which moved early on to provide this kind of support to its suppliers.”

Going forward, Ms Wawn said the next step is to ensure businesses are acting appropriately in utilising the measures to the best of their ability.

“Now we just need more private sector clients to follow the government’s example and also do the right thing and not take commercial advantage during the COVID-19 crisis,” she explained.