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.
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, Finding Australia’s missing tradies: Harnessing our skilled migrant workforce, 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...
Closing Loopholes
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
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
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
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
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...