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.

NCC 2025 – key changes NSW

03/02/2026

Building ministers have confirmed the next steps for NCC 2025, including the publication timeline, an adoption window from May 2026, and a national pause on further residential NCC changes (except essential safety and quality fixes) until around 2029.

Key dates
  • NCC 2025 preview released: 1 February 2026
  • Jurisdictions can...

NSW planning reforms: Key changes in 2026

02/02/2026

NSW has set out a package of planning reforms intended to speed up approvals, make assessment clearer, and reduce agency bottlenecks. For Master Builder members, the practical takeaway is straightforward: some decision-making is being pushed back to local pathways, State agency input is being centralised, and DA requirements and conditions...

2026 Australia Day Honours list

30/01/2026

Congratulations to MBA members Dan and Tim Murphy of Fugen Holdings Pty Ltd on being recognised with an OAM in the 2026 Australia Day Honours. Dan’s long service to Master Builders Association of NSW includes roles as President, Deputy President and Vice-President, plus decades as a Councillor and committee contributor...

Quick tip: floor wastes now trigger mandatory falls (NCC 2022)

29/01/2026

NCC 2022 does not force you to install a floor waste in wet areas. But if you do install one (even voluntarily), you must grade the floor to drain to it. Clause 10.2.12 now makes this mandatory, with a continuous fall between 1:80 (minimum) and 1:50 (maximum) to the...

Are you working safely with silica?

29/01/2026
If you work with crystalline silica substances and products, the new year is the perfect time to review your work systems and make sure you're complying with your legal obligations.

It’s important to check: 
  • Have you reviewed your silica risk control plans? 
  • Have you registered any workers undertaking high risk silica processing on the Silica...

2026 review of the Work Health and Safety Scheme

29/01/2026

The Standing Committee on Law and Justice, in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 started its review into the Work Health and Safety scheme on 15 December 2025. The review focuses on the rights and roles of Health and Safety Representatives and workplace health and safety training...

Quarterly super is ending as Payday Super arrives

28/01/2026

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released a new checklist, giving employers a clear roadmap to prepare for Payday Super.

Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig urged employers to make it their new year’s resolution to get ready for Payday Super.

The new year brings a big change to the super system...

NSW Building and Construction Industry site signage requirements 2025

16/12/2025

The Building Commission NSW (BC NSW) has conducted a series of site inspections covering much of the State; more recently, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan and the Riverina as part of its commitment to lifting building standards across regional NSW.

During the recent round of inspections, BC NSW inspectors revealed areas where...

New home building approvals down 6.4 per cent in October

02/12/2025

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows new home building approvals dropped by 6.4 per cent during October - and are 1.8 per cent down on a year earlier.

Master Builders Australia chief economist Shane Garrett said during the month, there was a 2.0 per cent reduction in...