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The HIA has welcomed the ACT Government's progress on Missing Middle Housing reforms aimed at boosting housing supply and choice. However, concerns remain that tax settings could undermine delivery of the reforms.
Why it matters: ACT-based builders and trades may see more medium-density residential work if reforms succeed.
The 2026 Federal Budget introduces major housing taxation changes. HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon has commented on the expected impacts for housing supply across Australia.
Why it matters: Tax changes affecting housing supply could shift project pipelines and workload availability for trades businesses.
The Fair Work Commission has appointed Michael Crosby as the new CFMEU Administrator. Master Builders Australia has acknowledged the announcement.
Why it matters: A new CFMEU administrator could affect enterprise bargaining and on-site union activity for building contractors.
HIA submitted a response to a government consultation on mutual recognition schemes for workers, addressing barriers to a single national market. The review examines how workers can have their qualifications recognised across state and territory borders.
Why it matters: Changes to mutual recognition could make it easier for tradies to work across state lines without reapplying for licences.
The HIA has welcomed the NSW Government's selection of DOMA Group to lead the Honeysuckle HQ precinct development in Newcastle, described as the city's largest transformation project to date.
Why it matters: Large-scale NSW construction projects create significant subcontracting and labour opportunities for local trades businesses.
Daily trades intel - plus practical AI opportunities for Australian trade operators. We will email you when the daily digest launches.
Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in April per ABS data. Master Builders Australia says planned tax hikes are poorly timed given the weakening labour market.
Why it matters: Rising unemployment and tax increases could squeeze trade business margins and reduce demand for building work.
Master Builders Australia has submitted policy recommendations to a Select Committee aimed at improving housing and rental affordability. The proposals focus on industry-level changes to address Australia's housing supply and cost challenges.
Why it matters: Policy changes from this submission could affect project pipelines, regulations, and costs for builders nationwide.
New federal AML/CTF laws take effect 1 July 2026, requiring builders and developers to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.
Why it matters: Builders and developers must prepare compliance processes before the July 2026 deadline or risk penalties.
The Tasmanian Government has set the First Home Owner Grant for new homes at $20,000. The HIA has welcomed the move, saying it provides meaningful support to first home buyers.
Why it matters: A higher first home grant in Tasmania could lift demand for new residential builds, benefiting local tradies.
The Commonwealth and Queensland governments have each committed $399 million in grants for housing infrastructure. Master Builders Australia has welcomed the funding deal.
Why it matters: Increased housing infrastructure funding in QLD may boost construction workloads for local trades operators.
The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) is creating new residential building opportunities across Australia, including the NT. Master Builders Australia sees this as a significant driver for construction activity nationwide.
Why it matters: Builders in the NT and nationally may see increased project pipelines and contract opportunities through HAFF-funded housing developments.
A PVC pipe shortage is hitting Australia's plumbing and construction sectors hard, with major suppliers running critically low on stock. Master Plumbers NSW CEO Nathaniel Smith flagged the issue publicly on radio.
Why it matters: Job delays and cost blowouts likely as PVC pipe stock dries up across suppliers nationwide.
Master Builders Australia has submitted to Safe Work Australia on improving earthmoving machinery safety in construction. The submission addresses safety standards and practices for equipment used on building sites.
Why it matters: New earthmoving safety rules could change site compliance requirements and operator obligations for builders nationwide.
Master Builders Australia has made a formal submission regarding the National Employment Standards. The submission outlines the industry body's position on employment conditions affecting building and construction workers.
Why it matters: Changes to National Employment Standards can directly affect how trades businesses manage leave, hours and worker entitlements.
Master Builders Australia has lodged a formal submission to the federal Closing Loopholes Review 2026, outlining the building industry's position on recent industrial relations legislation.
Why it matters: IR law changes from Closing Loopholes may affect how you engage subcontractors and casual workers on site.