Utility strikes are a costly and avoidable burden on Australia’s economy, infrastructure, and workforce. BYDA’s first-ever research into the economic impact of third-party strikes revealed more than 15,000 incidents occur each year across the country, leading to economic losses of nearly $5 billion. Our research outlines effective strategies for reducing these damages, and now we call on industry leaders and stakeholders to support critical reforms that will save lives, protect infrastructure, and reduce economic waste.
The Economic Impact of Utility Strikes
BYDA’s comprehensive report, Economic Assessment of Utility Strikes in Australia, prepared by Matt Bradbury, Director of Clear Ridge Consulting, reveals the extensive financial toll of these incidents. The direct costs of repairs are only the tip of the iceberg—there are also indirect economic burdens such as project delays, public safety risks, increased insurance costs, and loss of productivity across industries.
Using research methodologies from a 2017 University of Birmingham study, the report highlights the urgent need for action. Our findings indicate that a 30% reduction in utility strikes could save Australia $1.3 billion annually. With such significant savings at stake, the time to act is now. You can view the full report by logging into the BYDA Portal.
Key Recommendations to Reduce Utility Strikes
To tackle this nationwide issue, BYDA has proposed three industry-led reforms that will drastically cut down utility damages, enhance worker safety, and improve efficiency.
- Implement Nationally Consistent Legislation for Underground Asset Management
A lack of uniform regulations across states and territories leads to inconsistencies in underground asset management, increasing the risk of accidental strikes. A standardised national approach could reduce incidents by 7%, resulting in $322 million in annual savings. - Establish Minimum Data Standards and a Digital Asset Register
Many utility strikes are caused by outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate underground asset records. A comprehensive, central digital register with improved data standards would help mitigate these errors, potentially reducing strikes by 17% and saving $782 million every year. - Uplift Skills and Capabilities in Utility Risk Management
More than 3,000 strikes occur annually due to inadequate training and awareness. Mandatory risk management training for construction and utility workers could lower strike incidents by 8%, leading to $368 million in savings per year.
Expected Outcomes of Reform
The adoption of all three reforms can lead to a 30% reduction in utility strikes, translating to $1.3 billion in annual savings.
Why These Reforms Matter
The consequences of utility strikes extend beyond economic loss—they put workers and communities at risk, disrupt critical services, and slow down infrastructure development. Ensuring national consistency in underground asset management, improving data accuracy, and enhancing workforce training are fundamental steps towards reducing these risks.
Join the National Reform for Utility Safety
BYDA cannot drive this change alone. We are calling on utility and construction industry partners and government to collaborate in the National Reform for Utility Safety. By pledging your support, you become part of a movement dedicated to:
- Enhancing safety for workers and communities
- Reducing unnecessary economic losses
- Improving efficiency in infrastructure projects
- Strengthening Australia’s resilience against future challenges
How You Can Get Involved
We invite you to join our cooperative and help introduce these critical reforms. As a partner, you will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in industry reform discussions
- Influence key decisions on utility risk management
- Support the implementation of effective regulatory, data, and training solutions
- Contribute to building a safer and more efficient infrastructure landscape
Take Action Today
The impact of utility strikes is too significant to ignore. With the right reforms in place, we can prevent unnecessary damages, save billions of dollars, and create a safer working environment for all Australians. Join BYDA in leading the charge toward a smarter and more secure future for our nation’s utility infrastructure.
Pledge your support today and become a champion of the National Reform for Utility Safety – register and find out more via the BYDA Portal. Sign in using your existing referral service login credentials. If you don’t have a referral service login, you can set up a new account.
