- Work commences on Byford Secondary College expansion with gender equality in construction targets
- Helping to drive gender equality practices among head contractors who deliver Government non-residential infrastructure projects
- Construction project to increase the college's capacity from 1,680 to 2,000 mainstream students in permanent accommodation
The Cook Government today announced that BADGE Constructions has commenced work on the expansion of Byford Secondary College with the contract including gender equality targets.
The project is the second gender equality contract in the construction industry for a non-residential State Government project, in addition to the Fremantle Hospital Mental Health unit, which is already underway.
The target for BADGE Constructions will be to achieve 10 per cent of the total on-site workforce being female workers over the duration of the contract. The industry average is around 13 per cent for project teams and 3 per cent for trade partners.
Government has collaboratively agreed these targets with industry to help increase female workforce participation and increase gender and cultural diversity in the construction industry.
Regular reporting will be undertaken throughout the project and will help inform future policy decisions regarding gender equality in construction including the potential use of targets.
The construction project includes a new double-storey building with general learning areas, an education support classroom, science, STEM and IT laboratories, design and technology areas, staff study areas and student services. This will increase capacity from 1,680 to 2,000 mainstream students in permanent accommodation.
The project also includes refurbishments to the existing textiles/food preparation classroom to become a food technology kitchen, allowing the school to deliver a Certificate II Food Services program.
In addition to gender equality targets on some construction projects, since 1 July 2024, State agencies have been required to include a gender equality disclosure clause in all approach to market documents for goods, services, works and community services procurements with an estimated contract value of $250,000 and above. The disclosure clause asks respondents whether they employ 100 or more people and if so, to disclose whether they comply with Workplace Gender Equality Agency reporting obligations, as required under the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Cth).
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"This project will deliver terrific outcomes not only for the students at Byford Secondary College, but female talent within the construction industry by helping to promote opportunities for women, including apprentices and trainees.
"I congratulate BADGE Constructions on their commitment to this initiative and look forward to seeing the result of their work, anticipated to be completed in mid-2026.
"This will be a timely addition to the school's capacity, with population growth in the local intake area projected to increase enrolments over the coming years."
As stated by Finance and Women's Interests Minister Sue Ellery:
"The Cook Government continues to support businesses that embrace gender equality and promote positive outcomes for women. With the second gender equality pilot project now underway, we are excited to see the construction industry make meaningful change in this area.
"Working with businesses that commit to increasing female participation in their projects is an important step to achieving a gender equal workforce, particularly in male-dominated industries like construction.
"Working with the industry and unions will ensure that the Cook Government finds a collaborative way to improve women's employment and economic outcomes in Western Australia."
As stated by Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones:
"The expansion of Byford Secondary College is such a crucial project for our local community, so I am thrilled to see this major election commitment of mine reach this important milestone.
"Through projects like this expansion, as well as the Byford Health Hub, the major upgrade of Roleystone Community College and the Byford Rail Extension, the Cook Labor Government is delivering the infrastructure our fast-growing community needs to thrive."
