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.
It shouldn’t take this long to build a home
Master Builders Australia has today released new analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data which shows detached home and apartment building times continue to blow out.
Fifteen years ago, it took on average 9 months to build a stand-a-alone house. Fast forward to today and it now takes 12.7 months...
Promote scaffold safety
Unsafe scaffolds can be fatal
SafeWork NSW inspectors are targeting scaffold safety between October and December, as part of Scaff Safe 2024.
What are the risks?
Scaffolds that are poorly built or not managed properly by principal contractors/site supervisors can pose a serious risk to workers including:
- falls from heights...
2GB Radio interview - Addressing the Housing Crisis
Brian Seidler, Executive Director of Master Builders NSW, discussed on 2GB recently how the opposition’s $5 billion infrastructure plan could better meet Australia’s housing needs.
With 1.2 million homes planned nationally - and 377,000 in NSW - Seidler emphasised that infrastructure like roads, sewerage, and power is essential to meet...
Builders support the Opposition’s supply-focused housing policies
Peak building and construction industry association Master Builders Australia today backs new Federal Opposition housing policies to boost housing supply.
As the only industry association representing the residential, commercial, and civil construction sectors, Master Builders acutely understands the extent to which all three sectors have a role in ending the housing crisis...
Help shape the future of the Home Building Compensation Scheme - your input is crucial
The NSW Government is conducting a major review of the Home Building Compensation (HBC) Scheme. This is a significant opportunity for the industry to provide crucial input to the scheme’s future structure.
Led by Bronwyn Weir, the review will cover issues like industry insolvencies, insurance adequacy, and compliance. It will also determine who...
Worst year for new home builds in over 10 years marks need for action on labour shortages
Experts at Master Builders Australia have warned that low apprenticeship numbers will worsen the nation’s housing crisis if action is not taken immediately.
The warning comes after new Australian Bureau of Statistics data revealed that 2023-24 was the worst year for home building in more than a decade, dropping 8.8...
Loophole closed for unlicensed builders
Key points:
License & Insurance = Essential: No license or HBCF insurance means no progress payments for residential work in NSW.
Homeowner Protection: The amendment strengthens protection for homeowners by ensuring builders are qualified and insured.
Adjudicator Duty: Adjudicators must verify licenses and insurance before awarding payments to avoid legal...
Endorsement of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2030
The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) has announced that the Commonwealth, state, and territory governments have endorsed the Phase Three Asbestos National Strategic Plan (2024-2030). This is a critical step toward eliminating asbestos-related diseases in Australia.
Key points:
- The Phase Three Plan builds on the last...
Decline in building approvals cause for alarm says Master Builders
MEDIA RELEASE: Master Builders Australia says new Australian Bureau of Statistics data for the month of August revealing a 6.1 per cent decline in the total number of new home building approvals is cause for alarm.
Despite a 0.6 per cent rise in detached house building approvals, taking the number...
Appointment to National Construction Industry Forum
Today’s announcement by Minister Murray Watt to appoint Master Builders Australia to the National Construction Industry Forum (NCIF) is another positive step in tackling key challenges faced by the building and construction industry.
“As the only industry body representing the commercial, civil and residential sectors of the industry, it makes...