Levy change in place to boost construction training opportunities

• The Building and Construction Industry Training Fund levy exemption has now been removed and will apply to resource sector engineering construction work
• Policy change will support training and skills development as part of the McGowan Government's Plan for Jobs  

The resource industry will now contribute to the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF) levy with the removal today of a long-standing exemption.

The policy change will ensure all industries undertaking construction work contribute to the training and development of the State's construction workforce.

The BCITF levy is invested in training incentives and support for employers of apprentices and trainees in the construction industry. Removing the exemption will improve the resource industry's ability to access the skilled workforce it has identified it needs.

The levy has previously applied to all residential, commercial and civil engineering projects undertaken in Western Australia where the total value of construction is estimated to be more than $20,000.

Options for investing the additional funds collected from the resources sector will be explored in consultation with stakeholders to ensure that the disbursement of levy funds supports improved training opportunities for the Western Australian construction sector.

The levy will not be applied to work associated with the core operational business of the resources sector such as exploration, mine excavation and backfilling, environmental clean-ups, and repairs and maintenance.

Minor construction work under the value of $10 million for the relocation, replacement, renovation and alteration of existing resources facilities will be excluded from the levy. This recognises the unique nature of resource sector operations.

Further information on the BCITF levy is available on the Construction Training Fund website.

Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

"A highly skilled construction workforce supports the growth of Western Australia's economy, and we are committed to ensuring we have the skilled workforce that industry needs.

"The removal of the exemption delivers on our commitment to strengthen Western Australia's training system and provides increased training opportunities as we see the economy begin to recover.

"Investing in apprenticeships and traineeships will ensure Western Australians gain the skills they need to secure jobs now and into the future."

Minister's office - 6552 5700