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.

Housing reform takes centre stage as builders demand broader action

14/04/2025

With housing policy now a key battleground in the federal election, Master Builders Australia has welcomed the attention but is urging both major parties to go further, arguing that first-home buyer incentives alone won’t fix the supply crisis driving up the cost of living.

Master Builders CEO Denita Wawn says...

ESSENTIAL CODES STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY UPDATES & ASBESTOS REMOVAL

08/04/2025
In Short:

  • Over 100 minor changes made to streamline exempt and complying developments.

  • Clearer rules for dual occupancies, terraces, farm stays, and asbestos removal.

  • Easier approval-free upgrades for homes and businesses, including air-con installs.

The NSW Department of planning and infrastructure has updated the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) (Exempt and...

ABCB UPDATE: PROGRESS ON THE NEXT EDITION OF THE NCC

08/04/2025
In Short:

  • No confirmed release date for the next NCC edition

  • Usual February preview and May start won’t apply in 2025

  • Final advice still pending from Building Ministers

  • Stick to the current NCC version in your state or territory

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) have advised that the National...

Building approvals remain steady but well below target

02/04/2025

New home building approvals fell by 0.3 per cent in February, following a 6.3 per cent increase in January.

Master Builders Australia Chief Economist Shane Garrett said new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released today showed a 0.2 per cent gain for detached houses, but higher density approvals...

NSW government names and shames slow planning agencies

02/04/2025

The NSW Government is introducing State Agency League Tables to track the performance of 22 state agencies involved in development approvals, aiming to boost transparency and accountability. A similar initiative applied to local councils last year led to a 10% improvement in Development Application processing times. The new league tables...

Builders welcome measures to boost home ownership

01/04/2025

Short takeaway:
The Coalition says it’ll push the financial regulator to ease up on home loan approval rules. Their shadow housing minister claims almost 40% of first-time buyers can’t get a loan because of a tough "serviceability buffer." If the Coalition wins the election, they promise to update APRA’s rules.


Master...

Inclement weather rules: what Ex-Cyclone Alfred means for site work

10/03/2025

Members located in Northern NSW who are affected by Cyclone Alfred are reminded that workers working in the general building and construction and the civil construction sector are covered by the Inclement Weather provisions in the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (see this link.).

Inclement weather means...

Building Commission NSW targeting plumbing and drainage supervision

06/03/2025
Building Commission NSW is reminding licensed plumbers and drainers of their responsibilities when it comes to supervising unqualified workers such as apprentices.

An awareness campaign was launched after inspectors found multiple cases of unqualified workers doing plumbing and drainage works without proper supervision.

From late February to May 2025, inspectors...

Housing ‘Supercycle’ Looms

26/02/2025

Australia is entering a housing "supercycle," with pent-up demand for new homes set to significantly increase construction activity. Qualitas managing director Andrew Schwartz predicts that the number of apartment commencements could triple to 75,000 per year, driven by a need to catch up on a years-long supply shortage.

Key points...