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.

Closing Loopholes

12/03/2024

Changes have been made to the Fair Work Act as part of the Australian Government’s new Closing Loopholes laws. 

Some changes start from 15 December 2023, and others start later. 

The changes include:

Starting now (December 15th, 2023):

  • Equal pay for labour hire workers: Labour hire workers are entitled to...

Results of rental reform survey released

08/03/2024

The voices of more than 16,000 people, including NSW renters and owners have been heard following extensive public consultation on rental reforms being developed by the NSW Government.

A third of people rent their home across the State and the NSW Government committed to changing rental laws to give more...

Asbestos in mulch – information and investigation updates

27/02/2024

Recycled mulch must not contain asbestos or any material likely to cause pollution. The EPA regularly audits producers and suppliers of recycled mulch and has a zero-tolerance approach to the presence of asbestos.

The EPA conducts regular compliance audits and campaigns, which can include unannounced inspections of resource recovery facilities. Businesses...

Builders urge Greens and Coalition to back Help to Buy

27/02/2024

In the midst of political wrangling, Master Builders Australia urges Parliament to adopt sensible housing policies that benefit both aspiring homeowners and encourage more housing supply.

CEO Denita Wawn said the industry was strongly supportive of the Help to Buy Scheme which will assist some homebuyers in acquiring their first...

Industrial Manslaughter Laws Introduced to NSW

19/02/2024

The issue of criminal responsibility for workplace deaths has generated debate in NSW and nationally for many years. In October 2023, the NSW Government announced that it would introduce an industrial manslaughter offence in the first half of 2024, with severe penalties for serious work health and safety breaches that...

A Victory for Independence: Safeguarding the Future of Tradies

13/02/2024

Master Builders has been actively campaigning against a proposal that threatened the rights of independent contractors to be their own boss.

We travelled to over 20 locations around the country and held several webinars to discuss with tradies how these changes would affect them.

Thankfully, the Government and crossbenchers heard...

Building the Future: Master Builders Australia's Call for Economic Alignment

13/02/2024

As the Australian economy navigates a complex landscape, Master Builders Australia has used its pre-budget submission to remind the Federal Government of the critical importance of the building and construction industry.

The industry which employs over 1.3 million Australians and is made up of around 450,000 businesses, more than any other sector...

2024 Rules for Tracking Work-Related Lung Diseases

13/02/2024

The National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry Rules 2024 make it official that silicosis is a recognised work-related lung disease for the National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry. These rules also:

- Define which doctors can diagnose these work-related lung diseases;

- Set a deadline for these doctors to inform the Commonwealth...

Commission inspectors now have the power to inspect houses

30/01/2024

Building Commission NSW inspectors now have the power to inspect freestanding houses and terraces at any time, anywhere. Inspectors can enter houses under construction, or post construction, and order defects to be fixed if found.

 

Here’s what you need to know:

Audits on Class 1 Buildings:
Audits can take...

Residential Building Update: NCC 2022's Waterproofing Shift

30/01/2024

The updated NCC 2022 has introduced significant changes for waterproofing in residential buildings. It emphasises more detailed requirements, particularly in areas prone to moisture. Notable changes include:

  1. Reintroduction of construction details within the code, allowing users to reference AS 3740 for practical solutions.
  1. Detailed requirements for waterproofing are now explicit...