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.
The NCC Public Comment Draft is now open for your feedback
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the next edition of the National Construction Code. These changes are shown in the NCC Public Comment Draft. A is also available.
Submissions provided will help inform the final version for regulatory consideration. Feedback...
March lowest month for new detached home approvals since 2012
New building approvals data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today has once again painted a concerning picture of the nation’s housing crisis.
Master Builders Australia Chief Economist Shane Garrett said March was the worst month for new detached house approvals since July 2012 – almost 12 years ago...
New home starts sink to 11-year low
The latest building activity data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has confirmed there is still a long way to go before Australia overcomes the housing crisis.
Master Builders Chief Economist Shane Garrett said work started on just 163,285 new homes during 2023, a 10.5 per cent reduction on...
Urgent workforce survey
Dear Members,
We need your help. As you know, workforce shortages continue to impact the industry across all sectors. We know it will take significant effort to boost apprenticeship numbers, increase the skilled migration workforce and retain existing workers.
Master Builders is advocating on your behalf at a state/territory and...
2024 industry forecasts are out now
Master Builders Australia's 2024 industry forecasts are out now, covering the full 5-year Housing Accord period to 2028-29. With inflation nearing targets and expected interest rate drops, the investment market looks favourable over the medium-term. Government housing measures aim to boost supply, yet challenges like workforce shortages and industrial relations...
Apprentice and trainee outcomes 2023
In 2023, a significant majority of trade apprentices and trainees found employment post-training, with 95.6% in trade occupations securing jobs, maintaining the previous year's rate. The NCVER report revealed that 70.3% remained with their training employers, while 28% switched for better opportunities. Satisfaction rates were high for both on-the-job (91.4%)...
Finding Australia’s missing tradies
Releasing its supplementary Budget submission, , Master Builders Australia has today made recommendations to help migrants navigate complex and unnecessary barriers to work in the industry.
The building and construction industry needs more workers if we are going to build 1.2...
Outcomes of WHS ministers’ meeting – Engineered Stone/Silica
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A meeting of WHS Ministers was held on 22 March 2024. The Ministers’ communique, which was released following the meeting can be downloaded here. Following is a short summary of key outcomes and anticipated next steps for information. The main items on... |
Industrial manslaughter laws to be introduced to NSW
The issue of criminal responsibility for workplace deaths has been a topic of debate in NSW and nationally for many years. Industrial manslaughter laws cover circumstances where either a business or individual is responsible for the death of a person due to negligent or reckless behaviour in the workplace.
In...
Fall from ladder (31 August 2023)
Source: SafeWork NSW
A 38-year-old male was straddling an A-frame ladder at the height of approximately 3.5 metres to install a roller door on a shed. Whilst loosening the tension a wrench spun out of control and struck him on the left cheek. The man, who was working alone, fell...