The Australian Association of Vertical Transport (AAVT) was represented at the recent Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) member meeting held at Deakin Downtown, part of Deakin University in Melbourne, on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
AAVT Chief Executive Officer Mark Liversedge attended the meeting alongside representatives from across the national building and construction industry to discuss a range of emerging issues and policy developments relevant to the broader sector.
The meeting provided valuable insight into three key areas currently shaping the industry: the growing use of artificial intelligence, government procurement and construction priorities, and the modernisation of the National Construction Code (NCC).
Artificial Intelligence and Education
A presentation from Deakin University, led by Professor Anthony Mills (Chair – Construction Management, School of Architecture and the Built Environment), Dr Thomas Corbin (Centre for Research Assessment and Digital Learning – CRADLE), and Michael Kite (School of Architecture and Built Environment), explored the increasing role of AI in higher education and professional learning environments.
Discussion covered the use of wearable AI technology, avatars in tutorials, evolving approaches to assessment, and broader issues such as copyright and responsible AI use. Deakin also shared that its 2025 survey of 8,500 students found that 77 per cent of students were using AI regularly, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI in education and capability development.
Government Procurement and Construction Reform
Representatives from the Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC), including Executive Director Teresa Scott and Dominique Holani, provided an update on government priorities for 2026.
These included a strong focus on improving productivity and ensuring public investment delivers the greatest possible value. Discussion also covered the APCC Construction agenda, the 2026 workplan for the Construction and Asset Management Special Interest Group (CAM SIG), and the Australasian BIM Advisory Board (ABAB) workplan.
Broader discussion considered opportunities to reduce the cost of doing business with government and improve value across procurement and construction activity.
National Construction Code Modernisation
A further workshop was held with the project leads responsible for the modernisation of the National Construction Code, including Dan O’Brien, David McCarthy and Georgia Howley (Secretariat, Treasury portfolio).
This discussion focused on improving the governance, accessibility, usability and practical application of the NCC, as well as creating clearer pathways for innovation. There was strong discussion among ACIF members around the accessibility of Standards, the need to reduce subjectivity and unintended consequences, the importance of testing proposed changes in practice, and the value of greater national consistency in how the Code is applied across states and territories.
ACIF has made a submission on behalf of its members, and an interim report from the project team is expected in due course.
AAVT in the Broader Industry Conversation
AAVT’s participation in forums such as ACIF is an important part of ensuring the vertical transport sector is represented in broader national industry discussions.
The meeting also coincided with the launch of AAVT’s new website and Association name, with ACIF members acknowledging the transition from the Australian Elevator Association to the Australian Association of Vertical Transport.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with key stakeholders and policy leaders across the building and construction sector.
The next ACIF meeting will be held in Adelaide in May 2026.
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