It used to be said that the country rode on the sheep’s back. Now, however, I think it’s fair to say that the country stands on the shoulders of the earthmoving industry.
While approximately only 10% of Aussie jobs are directly employed by the construction and mining sectors, it’s estimated that by including indirect employment (all the associated industries and services required to run the industry), that figure could be as much as 40%.
It’s easy to overlook this important fact in the current political landscape, which seems more focused on environmental issues and political correctness than understanding the true drivers of our nation’s continuing success. This landscape doesn’t support what actually pays our way and allows for the investment into free healthcare, free education and social support, such as the dole and family benefits, that many take for granted.
Without the nation-building work undertaken by the unsung heroes of our industry, this country would be unable to afford so many of these privileges that we regard as our right today.
It’s the earthmoving and construction industry that keep our great country moving and that provides certainty for the future.
It’s the earthmoving and construction industry that builds the ports, roads and rail systems that allow us to export our abundant natural resources.
It’s the earthmoving and construction industry that requires and fosters heavy engineering expertise and capacity that means that Australia can still make things.
The earthmoving and construction industry is where many young Australians start their employment careers and learn practical life skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
And it’s the earthmoving and construction industries that actually turn the plans and dreams of others into reality – whether that be by way of new infrastructure projects, or tourist attractions, mansions for the wealthy or hospitals for the sick.
But most of all, the earthmoving and construction industries are primarily consumers of Australian resources, materials, labour and services. In other words, it’s money that’s not exported overseas to pay for imports, it stays in the country providing opportunities and wealth for the future.
So let’s get back to work and keep Australia moving!
