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.
New research shows Australians think housing crisis is getting worse
MEDIA RELEASE: Master Builders Australia has today released new independent research by Insightfully into the state of the housing crisis.
The research was conducted 11-18 November among 1,600 voters nationwide.
Key insights include:
- 2 in 3 say cost of living is the most important issue for them (up from 45%...
Tradies added to skilled migration list
The Albanese government’s overhaul of the skilled visa system aims to address severe labour shortages, particularly in the construction sector, as it works toward building 1.2 million homes by 2029. A new three-tier system categorises skilled migrants into streams for low-paid care workers, high-earning professionals, and a “core” group earning...
Master Builders sheds light on negative consequences of recent IR legislation
MEDIA RELEASE: Releasing its submission to the Albanese Government’s review of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay and Closing Loopholes legislation, Master Builders Australia has highlighted the cumulative impact of certain changes on the building and construction industry.
The abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and the repeal...
Momentum shifts for new home builds, but failure to deliver has a real cost
Master Builders says fresh Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing new home building approvals nearing a two-year high is good news, but much more improvement is still needed to build the homes Australians desperately need.
The ABS data released today shows that new home building approvals rose by 4.2 per...
Builders welcome passage of new housing legislation
MEDIA RELEASE: After a year-long political fight, the Parliament has finally passed the Help to Buy and Build to Rent bills that benefit aspiring homeowners and encourage more housing supply.
Master Builders has strongly supported both pieces of legislation.
Help to Buy is a shared equity scheme allowing eligible home...
Update on the CFMEU administration
Following a damning exposé by Nine media in mid-July (“Building Bad”), on Friday 23 August 2024, all Construction and General Divisions of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) were placed into a scheme of administration by the Albanese Labor Government. This was a truly historic event. The stated...
Silica training for workers
You must provide crystalline silica training to:
- any worker involved in processing of a crystalline silica substance (CSS) that is high risk; or
- who is at risk of exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) because of that
If your workers are not undertaking high risk processing, you must still provide...
Importance of detailed geotechnical reports for soil parameters
Building Commission NSW encourages all design and building practitioners to seek and rely on a detailed geotechnical report and not assume soil parameters according to preliminary reports. The reminder comes after a recent audit found a final geotechnical report was missing before the construction of a multi-storey building.
Preliminary soil...
New position statements from Fire and Rescue NSW
On 9 October 2024, Fire and Rescue NSW published the following new position statements on their website.
The Fire hydrant system – single vs multiple position statement “emphasises that the NCC identifies the provision of a single fire hydrant system only, reminding building proponents to consider such in any hydrant system design”...
Understanding the types and impacts of banter and humour on women
The NSW Government is investing $20.2 million over three years in the Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program to create inclusive workplace cultures, attract and retain women in the construction industry, and support women in leadership roles. Master Builders Association of NSW has been awarded a grant under this initiative...