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.
Builders respond to long-awaited apprenticeship incentive system review
Master Builders Australia has welcomed the release of the long-awaited Review into the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.
The review recognises the challenges faced by employers to attract and retain apprentices, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The building and construction industry is made up of over 445,000...
$10,000 for apprentices
Key points:
- Apprentices in residential construction can receive $10,000 over their training period, paid in five $2,000 instalments.
- The government has budgeted $626.9 million for the initiative, aiming to support over 60,000 apprentices.
- This move is part of efforts to meet the goal of 1.2 million new homes in five...
Apprentice training reform: finding balance between TAFE and private RTOs
The Albanese Government’s bill to make the Free TAFE initiative permanent is sparking debate. While the goal of addressing the skills shortage is widely supported, Master Builders Australia has raised concerns about the unintended consequences for private registered training organisations (RTOs).
Industry-led RTOs are vital to training apprentices, but the...
Positive signs in new home construction but still a long way to go
In the first three months of the National Housing Accord, Australia commenced construction on 43,247 new homes according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
This is 4.6 per cent higher than the June 2024 quarter and 13.9 per cent higher than the same quarter in 2023.
The strongest growth was...
Set yourself up for success
Start the new year strong with support from the NSW Government. Explore a range of programs designed to help your business grow in 2025, including:
- Financial incentives to hire an apprentice or a trainee.
- Help to set your business up to export products and services internationally
- Fee-free short courses in...
Engineering construction keeps the economy moving
There was a 3.3 per cent increase in the volume of engineering construction work done during the September 2024 quarter, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
This was predominately driven by a strong 5.5 per cent expansion in public sector projects.
However, private sector engineering construction...
Building Industry's Apprenticeship Problem: A Call for Action
The building and construction industry is facing a shortage of apprentices, a situation that threatens the feasibility of meeting Australia's ambitious housing targets. Brian Seidler, Executive Director of the Master Builders Association NSW, recently discussed this critical issue in a 2GB radio interview, highlighting the urgent need for a multifaceted...
Master Builders call for reforms to fix building industry challenges
Master Builders Australia has urged the Albanese Government to overhaul workplace laws affecting the construction industry, citing adverse impacts from recent legislative changes.
In its submission to the government’s review of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay and Closing Loopholes legislations, Master Builders criticised the abolition of the Australian Building and...
Skilled migrant workers underutilised despite construction industry shortages
A Deloitte Access Economics report reveals over 620,000 permanent migrants in Australia work below their skill levels, with 60% arriving through the skilled migration system. The construction industry faces an acute skills shortage, with 18,400 skilled migrants already in the country unable to contribute effectively due to costly and complex...
High Court ruling strengthens consumer protections for apartment buyers in NSW
Introduction:
Protections for apartment buyers in NSW, already ahead of other states in consumer safeguards, have been reinforced by a High Court ruling. The decision limits developers and builders from shifting liability for defects to subcontractors and consultants.
Key Points for Builders and Developers:
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Expanded Duty of Care:
Under the...