The Delivering Net Zero Infrastructure: Workforce Report sets out a national game plan to help the construction industry tackle workforce skills shortages that are holding Australia back when it comes to decarbonising infrastructure projects. 

Developed as part of the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative - a coalition of government and industry bodies committed to decarbonising Australia’s infrastructure - the report finds that only about half the workforce delivering Australia’s $213 billion five-year Major Public Infrastructure Pipeline are contributing to net zero outcomes – about 105,000 workers. 

But even among this group, many lack the understanding and confidence on how to best decarbonise. There is a significant opportunity to extend awareness and responsibility of decarbonisation efforts. 

Infrastructure and buildings are one of our biggest contributors to emissions – responsible for nearly a third of Australia’s emissions and indirectly linked to more than half.  

Decarbonising these projects – from roads and rail to buildings and bridges – will be absolutely critical to reaching Australia’s net zero target. 

The report includes four recommendations for government and industry to build the workforce with the skills needed to deliver a net zero infrastructure future.

Infrastructure Australia thanks all the members of the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative for their engagement, collaboration and contributions to the development of this report and its recommendations.