The construction industry plays an important role in the Australian economy. Construction provides homes, places for people to work, and recreation facilities. It provides essential facilities and infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, roads, water and electricity supply and telecommunications.
The construction industry, and its activities, have important linkages to other parts of the Australian economy such as manufacturing, wholesale, retail trade, and finance and insurance industries. In addition, architectural and engineering professions are closely linked with the industry.
In 2002-03 the construction industry contributed 6.3% to Australia's gross domestic product. This compares with 5.5% in 2001-02.
In 2002-03 the construction industry employed an average of 715,300 persons. Employed persons include employees, employers and own-account workers. This represented approximately 8% of all employed persons. The majority of those employed in the construction industry were full time (85%) and male (87%).
The construction industry engages in three broad areas of activity:
- residential building (e.g. houses, flats, etc.)
- non-residential building (e.g. offices, shops, hotels, etc.)
- engineering construction (e.g. roads, bridges, water, sewerage, etc.).
Both the private and public sectors undertake construction activity within Australia. The private sector operates in all three areas of activity, with a major role in residential and non-residential building activity. The public sector has a major role in initiating and undertaking engineering construction. In addition it has a role in non-residential building activity, in particular for the health and education industries, building hospitals and schools.
The chapter includes an article Australian home size is growing.
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