The minimum pay for the average Queensland construction worker on civil projects has been increased to over $200,000 a year. 

The upward adjustment is part of the government’s latest Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) for transport, extending its coverage to more works, including rail and road projects valued up to $890 million.

Under these conditions, CW5 construction workers are now entitled to a yearly pay of $191,086, which can reach $201,694 with the inclusion of income protection and redundancy fund pay. 

The transport BPIC now also covers water projects and ensures a 5 per cent annual pay rise until 2027.

The Queensland Civil Contractors Association CEO, Damian Long, expressed concerns that the state’s BPIC policy could lead to increased costs and a reduction in the number of projects delivered due to its indirect effect on other projects. 

“Since the implementation of BPIC, we have seen an increase in militant union activity on civil construction projects, increased costs and declining productivity,” Long told reporters.

However, CFMEU Queensland secretary Michael Ravbar contested these claims, saying; “These shameless turncoats drape themselves in maroon while deliberately campaigning to sell out Queensland workers and undercut Queensland businesses”. He said claims that the BPIC would push up construction costs were unfounded.

Queensland Premier Steve Miles has defended the BPIC agreement, saying it aligns with industry standards and assures that on government jobs, workers are not competing on wages. 

“These are all prevailing conditions in the industry,” Miles stated.

The BPIC agreement not only includes pay rises but also travel allowances and leave loading to support workers, ensuring some of the best rates and conditions in the country, according to the Australian Workers Union.

Similar moves by the West Australian government are set to provide main roads labourers 55 per cent more than the award wage.