Construction businesses made up a quarter of all businesses in the economy entering external administration in April 2026. 

NSW accounted for around half (148 total or 44%) of the construction firms (308 total) entering external administration nationally in April 2026. NSW had by far the highest number of construction businesses going under than any other state or territory during the month. 

• This amounted to a 21% rise on the previous year to April 2025 and a 32.4% rise on the previous quarter. 
• This compared to 82 construction firms entering external administration in April 2026, 43 in Queensland ad 16 in Western Australia. 
• Reflecting the impact of the cost escalations afflicting the industry since the onset of the Middle East conflict, the numbers of construction firms entering administration were substantially higher in all states and territories than over the previous quarter. 

See charts below

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Please see advice from Master Builder's NSW partner Nexia