New leader for construction industry peak body

Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) has announced the appointment of its new executive director, James Cameron.

With the imminent retirement of Peter Barda after eight years at the helm, ACIF’s board sought an industry professional experienced in policy and research, with detailed understanding of the issues facing the building and construction industry in Australia. James Cameron brings expertise in policy formulation, most recently from Australian Institute of Building, with good depth of knowledge of the industry’s key issues and many participants.

ACIF Chair Ian Pedersen said, “On behalf of the board and members, we welcome James Cameron as ACIF executive director.

“We have worked with James over several years and are already aware of his high-quality work and his vision for a successful and productive building and construction industry. We are pleased to see him pick up the reins from the insightful Peter Barda, to leverage ACIF’s impressive achievements to date to foster a stronger industry into the future.”

Cameron said, “I am looking forward to joining ACIF to tackle both the opportunities and challenges that the industry faces.

“Australia should be the world leader in the built environment. While the industry has many strengths, in terms of its economic viability, quality, safety, sustainability, innovation, design, skills and research, there is room for improvement. This will be my mission while at ACIF.

“It will be an honour and a privilege to work with ACIF’s member organisations, as well as industry and government, as together we make a positive difference in Australia’s built environment.

“I wish Peter Barda all the best in his retirement, and on behalf of ACIF, thank him for all the magnificent work he has done for the organisation since 2008.”