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.

March lowest month for new detached home approvals since 2012

02/05/2024

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

10/04/2024

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

09/04/2024

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

09/04/2024

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

03/04/2024

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%)...

Outcomes of WHS ministers’ meeting – Engineered Stone/Silica

26/03/2024


OUTCOMES OF WHS MINISTERS’ MEETING – ENGINEERED STONE/SILICA

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

25/03/2024

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)

21/03/2024

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

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...