January 2009

By Dr Keith Hampson
Chief Executive Officer
CRC for Construction Innovation
 
Order of Australia Award for John McCarthy
 
CRC for Construction Innovation’s long-term Chair, John McCarthy, received an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division in recognition of his service to the property and construction industry in the Australia Day Honours List.
 
Construction Innovation CEO Keith Hampson said he was delighted that John McCarthy’s distinguished career and service to industry had been recognised by the prestigious award.
 
“John is a tireless champion of the built environment industry and is recognised globally as a property and construction industry leader. He is committed to improving our industry through cooperation, research and education and innovation,” Keith Hampson said today.
 
“John’s service to the property and construction industry over more than 40 years has earned him enormous respect and admiration from his peers. John has provided exemplary service in leading the industry institutions that have undeniably shaped Australia’s property and construction industry and delivered significant benefits to our community.”
 
John McCarthy is recognised globally as a property and construction industry leader.
 
Keith Hampson said John McCarthy’s senior leadership of the industry has delivered significant positive change in what has traditionally been a disparate and often adversarial industry.
 
“This achievement is testament to John’s personal, inclusive approach, and energetic commitment to professionalism,” Dr Hampson said.
 
“On behalf of the entire Construction Innovation community, I extend sincere congratulations to John and take this opportunity to thank him for his tireless efforts on our centre’s behalf, including leading the centre’s current bid for a Sustainable Built Environment CRC.”
John McCarthy has served industry and the community in the following roles:
  • Honorary Life Member, Property Council of Australia (PCA)
  • Honorary Life Member, Facility Management Association (FMA)
  • Founding Chair, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC)
  • Director, International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) — the first industry appointment ever for an Australian
  • Chairman, Marketing and Communication Committee (CIB)
  • Chairman, Strategic Industry Leaders Group, Facilities Management Action Agenda (2004–08)
  • Board Director, Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)
  • Chairman, SB08 National Management Board (World Sustainable Building Conference)
  • Member, Built Environment Industry Innovation Council (BEIIC)
  • Fellow, Australian Property Institute (formerly the Australian Institute of Valuers and Land Economists)
  • Director, Village Building Co Ltd
  • Former Director (2003–04), Association of Consulting Engineers Australia (ACEA)
  • Former Chairman, Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF)
  • Former National President (1996–98), Property Council of Australia
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In the Australian honours system appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service. The Officer of the Order of Australia is awarded for distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or humanity at large.
 
John McCarthy’s award citation recognises him “For service to the property and construction industries, particularly through leadership roles in peak bodies, and through promotion of co-operation, research and innovation”.