Advocacy Theme: Building a National Voice, Driving Practical Reform (2025/2026)

In 2025, advocacy became one of AWCI Australia’s strongest and most visible pillars of activity. Guided by member feedback and industry need, we moved decisively from being consulted on issues to being at the table shaping policy outcomes for the wall and ceiling industry across Australia.

At the centre of our advocacy work was the launch of AWCI Australia’s 5 Pillars of Occupational Licensing. This framework underpinned a coordinated national advocacy effort, with AWCI formally writing to every state and territory government, relevant ministers, regulators, and training authorities. The objective was clear and consistent: to drive reform toward fair, practical, and nationally harmonised occupational licensing, with the harmonisation of plastering qualifications as a critical long-term goal.

Throughout 2025, AWCI Australia lodged detailed written submissions in every jurisdiction, addressing licensing, training pathways, workforce development, compliance, and safety and technical standards. These submissions were not generic position statements; they were evidence-based, industry-led, and grounded in the real-world experiences of contractors, apprentices, and businesses operating across multiple states.

A key achievement of 2025 was the strengthening of direct relationships with government. AWCI Australia was invited to participate in multiple state and national committees, recognising the Association as a credible, solutions-focused representative of the industry. These forums allowed AWCI to advocate early—before policy decisions were locked in—and to ensure the practical impacts on contractors and workers were clearly understood by regulators.

Advocacy in 2025 also expanded beyond licensing alone. AWCI Australia increased its focus on:

• Workforce shortages and skills development
• Training quality and qualification consistency
• Safety and technical standards
• Regulatory burden and compliance practicality
• Industry code of practice

Importantly, AWCI Australia strengthened its role as a national industry voice through active engagement with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). This connection ensured that the wall and ceiling sector was represented in broader national conversations on skills reform, taxation, workforce participation, and industry regulation—issues that directly affect the sustainability of member businesses but are often shaped outside of trade-specific forums.

From one on one meetings, letters to ministers, formal submissions, policy briefs, and member updates, advocacy in 2025 was consistent, visible, and purposeful. Members were kept informed of progress, emerging issues, and opportunities to contribute their views, reinforcing that advocacy is most effective when it is member-driven and evidence-led. Members can access all letters and meeting notes from our website.

Looking to 2026

• We have commenced consultation on Plasterboard Delivery with the GBMA and will continue gathering evidence from you members and partners so we have an industry position to advocate on – we cannot let other industries or trades have an unopposed position on delivery of plasterboard to sight without our input! If you have any feedback on this please email me or complete the survey currently open on our website.
• Continue advocating on all our industry positions as above.

Report Card Summary – 2025

✔ National advocacy framework established

✔ Direct engagement with all jurisdictions

✔ Submissions lodged in every state and territory

✔ Increased government and committee participation

✔ Stronger national influence through ACCI

While policy reform takes time, 2025 laid critical foundations. AWCI Australia enters 2026 with stronger relationships, clearer priorities, and growing influence—positioning the Association to continue driving meaningful, long-term reform for the wall and ceiling industry. Get in touch if you have any other issues you would like to raise with us.

Thank you for your membership to AWCI Australia. Together we are working on improving our industry.

Your industry. Your association. Your voice.