| Description |
viii, 175 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm |
| Series |
Parliamentary paper ; no. 107 of 1991 |
|
Report / Industry Commission ; no. 8 |
|
Report (Australia. Industry Commission) ; no. 8
|
|
Parliamentary paper (Australia. Parliament) ; 1991, no. 107
|
|
Report (Australia. Industry Commission) ; no. 8
|
| Notes |
Bibliography: p. 171-175 |
| Bibliography |
Bibliography: pages 171-175 |
| Notes |
107/1991 |
|
Commonwealth of Australia 1991 |
| Issuing Body |
The evidence of high construction cost of major projects in Australia is conflicting. In some areas, notably mineral processing plant, Australian costs are comparable or better than those in other developed countries. In other areas, such as chemical and forestry products, there are cost disadvantages of around 20 per cent compared to the lowest cost developed nation. Compared to Asian economies (such as Singapore and Hong Kong), cost disadvantages of 50 per cent and higher are common. Irrespective of Australia's costs compared to other countries, the central issue is: can we do better? In other words, is there scope for reducing cost levels and improving the efficiency of the Australian industry. This inquiry has identified many areas where there are impediments to efficiency. Except for industrial relations, most inquiry participants from within the construction industry appear remarkably relaxed about the state of their industry. This could mean that there is nothing fundamentally wrong. It could also mean that the industry does not recognise its problems; or that it has learnt to operate within its constraints. There are few pressures on the construction industry to do better. Most operators are confronted by the same set of conditions and the industry's output is non-traded - that is, it does not directly face the discipline of the international market. But many of its clients do. Indeed, the costs of construction can be important in determining whether a major project will proceed. Some factors which increase construction costs - such as the costs associated with development in remote locations - are natural features that cannot be avoided. Other factors - such as labour relations and approval processes can be |
| Notes |
Report / Industry Commission no:8 1327-0788 |
| Subject |
Construction industry -- Australia -- Costs.
|
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Construction industry -- Australia.
|
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Industrial relations -- Australia.
|
| Author |
Australia. Industry Commission.
|
| ISBN |
0644140305 |
|
