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.

Backing our best apprentices

02/10/2020

These are the words that we all want to hear come out of an MBA Apprentice’s mouth. And this is exactly what Jakob Blake said when we called him up.

Jakob is a proud Aboriginal man who commenced his apprenticeship through the MBA with AW Edwards in 2018. AW Edwards has been a key player...

Latest lending data indicates early boost from HomeBuilder

14/09/2020

Most categories of home lending saw growth during July 2020 according to the ABS. The new data offers an early sign of the impact of the federal government’s HomeBuilder scheme.  The table below provides a snapshot of results:

Lending data

July 2020 saw the number of owner occupiers housing loans increase by...

Notice of OC for class 2 dwellings – Deadline 14th Sept 2020

09/09/2020

With the Residential Apartment Buildings Act coming into effect on 1 September 2020, developers of any residential apartment projects that will finish before 28 February 2021 will be required to give notice to the Office of the Building Commissioner no later than 14 September 2020. 

If the initial project application was done via the...

Nationwide red tape reduction

08/09/2020

Tradies including carpenters, joiners, bricklayers, builders, electricians and plumbers, as well as a raft of other licensed occupations such as teachers and property agents, could find it easier to do business across state and territory borders with a new agreement that will see Council on Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) develop...

NSW building and construction licensing and qualification pathways

08/09/2020

Don't miss our free online forum! 

Find out how the NSW building and construction licensing process works. As well as other industry licensing processes.

Take the next step in your building and construction career. Master Builders will help you on the way. Discover the qualification pathways you need for your career...

RAB act comes into effect

01/09/2020

This is a big week for the NSW construction industry. 

The Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act 2020 (RAB Act) comes into effect from today (1 September 2020). It applies to residential apartment building work and is retrospective for buildings up to six years old, and in extreme...

Taxable Payments Annual Report due

21/08/2020

Businesses that pay contractors for certain services may need to lodge a Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) with the ATO by 28 August 2020. 

Under the Taxable payments reporting system (TPRS), if your business primarily provides building and construction services and you pay contractors to perform them on your behalf...

Crackdown on Newcastle region construction sites

11/08/2020

Building and construction sites in Newcastle can expect an unannounced visit from SafeWork NSW inspectors this week as the workplace safety regulator undertakes high-visibility safety checks across the region.

Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said after a number of serious injuries on sites throughout the state, inspectors would be...

Changes to stamp duty threshold

27/07/2020

The NSW State government will temporarily cut stamp duty on new homes under $800,000 for first home buyers in a bid to boost construction and create jobs amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Under the changes the threshold above which stamp duty will be charged on new homes for first home buyers will...