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.

Budget aims for holistic approach to housing but is not yet on target

14/05/2024

Tonight, our members were seeking a Budget that supports the very businesses who have the opportunity to boost economic growth, bring down inflation and build for all Australians but are currently hamstrung by their capacity and increasing costs to deliver, said Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn.

“The Federal Budget...

New supervision rules and CPD requirements

14/05/2024

Starting July 1, 2024, NSW is introducing updated regulations for real estate, strata, and stock & station agents. The key changes are:

Supervision Guidelines: These outline stricter requirements for how agencies oversee their operations, ensuring legal compliance, ethical conduct, and preventing fraud. This means agency leaders will have increased responsibility...

Changes to NSW strata and community land laws

14/05/2024
Strata has become a large and complex part of the housing mix in NSW. The laws have been updated. They aim to make strata and community living fair and clear. They are now in place.

Changes to NSW strata and community land laws* started on 11 December 2023. The changes:
  • make...

Major funding injection to upskill next-gen tradies

08/05/2024

In a significant move to bolster the construction workforce, the Albanese government has announced a $90 million construction workforce package in the upcoming federal budget. This initiative aims to provide free pre-apprenticeship programs for high school students, facilitating early entry into trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrotechnology.

About 5,000...

NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler to Depart After Five Years

07/05/2024

David Chandler, the Building Commissioner renowned for his crackdown on substandard construction in New South Wales, will step down from his role in August this year. Commissioner Chandler advised the NSW government that he will not seek a contract extension beyond a noteworthy five-year tenure.

During his time in office, the Chandler...

Certifier cancelled and disqualified for 10 years

07/05/2024

A recent decision by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) is the most significant decision made against a certifier in NSW since 1998.  
 
NCAT found that building occupants could have been fatally impacted by errors made by certifier, Mr Mohamad Orfali. These included wrongly issuing complying development certificates...

Australia's Building Code to undergo significant update

07/05/2024

Australia's National Construction Code (NCC) is set for major changes in its 2025 update. Amendments proposed in the draft address tighter energy efficiency, water leaks, condensation, public toilets for women, carpark fire safety, and clearer pathways for code compliance.


Focus on Energy Efficiency

The most significant changes center on energy...

State of the Housing System Report

06/05/2024

Responding to the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council’s State of the Housing System 2024 report, Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said it’s clear more needs to be done to reduce the cost of home building to increase housing supply.

“The report rightfully acknowledges the housing system’s inability to...

The NCC Public Comment Draft is now open for your feedback

03/05/2024

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the next edition of the National Construction Code. These changes are shown in the NCC Public Comment Draft. A list of changes is also available.

Submissions provided will help inform the final version for regulatory consideration. Feedback...

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...