The primary goal of the BER program was to underpin economic activity in the construction sector through a period of significant global uncertainty. Effective monetary policy, strong commodity prices, continued growth in China and the Commonwealth's fiscal stimulus program all acted in concert to economically shield Australia from the global financial crisis. The Taskforce considers BER made a material contribution to economic growth especially in its first year. It is projected to support approximately 120,000 jobs over the full life of the program, filling a gap left in demand from the private sector and playing an important role in supporting apprentices and skill retention in the building and construction industry. The Commonwealth established the BER Implementation Taskforce (the Taskforce) in May 2010 to receive, investigate and respond to complaints about the Program, with a focus on examining whether schools and education authorities are achieving value for money from their BER projects. The Taskforce was asked to make recommendations to the Commonwealth about any changes to the Program policy, contracts or projects it thinks could improve the remaining delivery of school buildings and refurbishments.