Discover the latest updates and essential insights in the building and construction industry. For all significant news and developments, this is your go-to source.
NSW guarantee to unlock stalled projects
The NSW Government has opened expressions of interest for a $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee that helps developers meet lender pre-sale hurdles so projects can start sooner. The program lets government pre-commit to buy up to 50% of off-the-plan dwellings in eligible projects, with quality checks and fees built in. ...
NSW unveils major planning reforms to accelerate housing delivery
The NSW Government has introduced the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025, the most significant overhaul of the state’s planning system in nearly five decades.
The reforms are designed to speed up housing approvals, reduce duplication, and simplify the development process, helping the state reach...
Slashing planning red tape will boost housing supply
MEDIA RELEASE: Master Builders welcomes the Government’s move to enact much needed reform to the state’s planning system.
Incoming Executive Director Matthew Pollock said, “For too long the system has been sweating the small stuff, we need the system to encourage investment into sensible new housing developments.
“Housing is unaffordable...
Reports of criminality reinforce the need for a specialist construction industry regulator
Statement by Incoming Executive Director Matthew Pollock
MEDIA RELEASE: “There must be zero tolerance for criminal behaviour. Unfortunately, the construction industry is no stranger to unlawfulness. The solution is for the return of a national specialist construction industry regulator with the necessary powers. Prior to its abolition, the Australian Building...
Brickies on $500,000?
Australia’s housing emergency dominated the agenda at this week’s Financial Review Property Summit in Sydney, where industry leaders warned that even with ambitious targets, the sector lacks the workforce to deliver the homes needed.
Key points from the summit
-
Housing supply targets: The federal government’s 1.2 million homes in...
NSW planning hurdles cost developers time and money
Cbus Property CEO Adrian Pozzo has slammed New South Wales’ planning and building process, calling it “heartache” for developers. Speaking at the Financial Review Property Summit, Pozzo said a North Sydney site purchased four years ago was stalled in the approval system for years, tying up $200 million with no...
Avoid being scammed
In 2024, Australians lost $2.03 billion to scams.
Scams target people from all walks of life and come in many forms – like fake emails, unexpected phone calls or online schemes.
Scammers are always finding new ways to gain your trust and steal your money or personal information.
These 3...
Strathfield pushes for family-friendly apartments
Strathfield Council is moving to mandate more family-sized apartments in high-rise projects, reflecting the reality that many families are now raising children in units. The proposal would require developments with 10 or more dwellings to allocate up to 20 per cent as three-bedroom apartments under the council’s development control plan...
Construction activity lifts while inflation pops
Quick take
The June 2025 quarter delivered stronger construction activity, led by engineering work, while July inflation spiked on electricity. For builders, residential demand looks steadier, non-residential is softer, and rates are still expected to stay on hold in September.
Key points for builders
-
Total construction work up 3.0% in...
Government pauses national construction code changes
The Federal Government has announced a pause on further changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) until mid-2029. The decision comes after mounting pressure from industry groups, including Master Builders, who have raised concerns about the heavy compliance burden on small businesses. At more than 2,000 pages and with 120...