BESIX Watpac has warned that Donald Trump’s move to double US steel tariffs is set to create fresh uncertainty across global construction supply chains, just as the company returns to profit after two years of losses.

Key points for builders and contractors:

• Steel tariffs rise: US steel and aluminium tariffs...

Australia’s economy is slowing, but it’s the country’s builders who are keeping it upright for now, says peak building and construction industry association Master Builders Australia.

New national account figures released today show Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowed to just 0.2 per cent in the March 2025 quarter, the...

Australia’s construction sector remained flat in the first quarter of 2025, as gains in residential building were offset by declines in non-residential and engineering construction, according to the latest industry data. While the sector faces headwinds, a robust residential market and easing cost pressures provide some optimism for the industry’s...

Payday Super for employers and employees
In the 2023-24 Federal Budget, the Government announced that from 1 July 2026, employers would be required to pay workers’ super at the same time they pay salary or wages.

Payday Super is not yet law
If the legislation passes, Payday Super is currently...

Clause 4.2 of AS 3740 (Waterproofing of domestic wet areas) has quickly become one of the most misunderstood parts of the standard. It’s led to widespread confusion, unnecessary costs, and misinterpretation on building sites across the country.

At the centre of the issue is a myth: that a waterproofing membrane...

Master Builders Australia is delivering a major new initiative, funded by the federal government, to better support women's careers in construction. As part of this, independent research company Insightfully is conducting one-on-one interviews with employers like you. 

We’re seeking your practical insights about: 

· What’s working (or not) when supporting...

The building and construction industry affects millions of lives, and the role of the Building Commission NSW has never been more important. It’s responsible for making sure residential construction is safe, reliable, and built to a high standard. Leading the charge is James Sherrard, the new Building Commissioner. He’s focused...

On 17 April 2025, enhancements were released to the following digital services on the NSW Planning Portal (the Portal): 

• BASIX
• Certificate registration 
• Controlled activity approval 
• Intent to seek occupation certificate 
• Post-consent certificate 
• Strata bond 

These enhancements were to improve the usability of the services and address technical issues. 

A more...

Petzl has issued an urgent recall for certain 2022-manufactured European versions of the NEWTON, NEWTON FAST, and NEWTON EASYFIT harnesses, due to a defect in the FAST LT chest buckle. If this buckle fails during use, it could result in the harness unfastening—posing a serious risk of fatal falls.

Affected...

With housing policy now a key battleground in the federal election, Master Builders Australia has welcomed the attention but is urging both major parties to go further, arguing that first-home buyer incentives alone won’t fix the supply crisis driving up the cost of living.

Master Builders CEO Denita Wawn says...