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.

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...

Temporary changes to CPD

13/07/2020

Key points:

  • Only require nine CPD points this year (instead of 12)
  • This is a temporary arrangement  
     

Builders and Swimming Pool Builders who renew their licence between the 1st May and the 31st December 2020 are only required to complete nine points of professional development.

Travel restrictions and...

NSW-Victoria border closure

08/07/2020

Key points:

  • As a worker in the building and construction industry, you are deemed to be performing a critical service;
  • Therefore you are eligible to apply for a permit to cross the NSW-VIC border.

What you need to apply:

  • your personal details (name and date of birth)
  • your contact details (residential address, phone number...

SAFEWORK NSW BLITZ ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

29/06/2020

Construction sites across north-western Sydney can expect a visit from SafeWork Inspectors this week who will be targeting unsafe working systems across all building trades.

A building company has been fined $90,000 after a worker suffered a fatal fall from scaffolding on a Lidcombe construction site. 

The scaffolding he fell through was not...

Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019

16/06/2020

Since 2003, Master Builders have consistently advocated the importance of sharing the statutory liability related to building projects with all professionals in the building chain. Until now this liability has been shouldered by builders alone.

We have always believed that a licensing system is fundamental to the competency of practitioners, quality of work, and...

New powers to prevent defective buildings entering the market

10/06/2020

The NSW Building Commissioner will now have boosted powers to stop defective buildings being sold to consumers, thanks to the passing of the Residential Apartment Buildings Bill 2020 in NSW Parliament this week.

Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said  will arm the Building Commissioner with a suite...

Master Builders Ready To Help Rebuild Australia

26/05/2020

Response to PM’s National Press Club Address

The Prime Minister’s speech to signpost the Government’s approach to building economic recovery was encouraging on many fronts. 

“The Prime Minister’s recognition that there is much worse economic news to come is important especially as the building and construction industry braces for what...

'Stimulus' rather than 'subsidies'

26/05/2020

'Stimulus' rather than 'subsidies', that's our message to government.

Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Master Builders has been advocating to keep construction open for business and for stimulus to keep activity going. 

To promote our position, we commissioned Ernst & Young to cost and assess the impact of five stimulus...