A new statutory body will spearhead reforms and sustain the momentum of continuous quality improvements in the construction industry.

The Construction Industry Council Bill, to be published in the Gazette on January 30 and introduced into the Legislative Council on February 11, is the outcome of a key recommendation from the Construction Industry Review Committee.

As a pan-industry forum, the council will strive to forge consensus on long-term strategic issues, to convey industry needs and aspirations to the Government, and to provide a channel for the Government to solicit advice on all construction-related matters. 

Its main functions include formulating codes of conduct and best practice, administering registration and rating schemes, co-ordinating research and development activities, facilitating adoption of construction standards and compiling performance indicators.

Balanced mix of representatives on council

To fulfill its leadership role, the council will be composed of a balanced mix of eminent representatives drawn from different sectors - clients, professionals, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, workers, academics, researchers, government officials and lay people.

The council will also oversee construction manpower training and take over from the Construction Industry Training Authority all of its existing statutory powers.

The authority will be dissolved and subsumed under the council so that construction levies can be deployed in a more effective manner to benefit the industry at large.

Fundamental step in change process

The Environment, Transport & Works Bureau said the move is a fundamental step in the change process.

It will not only help to promote self-regulation in a market-driven environment, but also lead to enhanced cost-effectiveness and competitiveness of the construction industry in Hong Kong, the bureau added.