The RBA's latest interest rate rise will further suppress new home construction, according to HIA. The industry body says increased housing supply is the only sustainable fix for affordability problems.
Why it matters: Builders and related trades face fewer new project starts as rate rises deter developers and buyers. Less new work in the pipeline affects carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other residential trades.
Standards Australia is shutting down its Training platform and closing new enrolments. The platform was designed to deliver standards-aligned learning for industry professionals.
Why it matters: Builders, electricians, plumbers and other trades who used this platform for standards-based training will need to find alternative providers.
HIA has responded to the Draft North Queensland Regional Plan, calling it an opportunity to modernise regional planning and adopt evidence-based regulatory frameworks for the area.
Why it matters: Builders and contractors in North Queensland may see changes to planning rules and approval processes affecting project timelines and development viability.
HIA is urging Tasmanian council election candidates to commit to planning reform. The association says local councils remain a major factor in whether new housing gets approved and built.
Why it matters: Builders and related trades in Tasmania could see more or fewer jobs depending on how new councils approach planning approvals. Slower approvals mean fewer projects.
Standards Australia is shutting down its Training platform and closing new enrolments. The platform was designed to deliver standards-aligned learning for industry professionals.
Why it matters: Builders, electricians, plumbers and other licensed trades who used the platform for standards-based training will need to find alternative providers.
The World Meteorological Organization confirms El Niño is now established. Experts warn the escalating weather event could significantly disrupt global supply chains.
Why it matters: Builders, plumbers and electricians may face material shortages and price hikes as El Niño disrupts global supply chains for key construction inputs.
GENERAL Australia has launched Zoneconnex, a new Wi-Fi enabled zone control solution using anywAiR technology. It expands smart climate control options for ducted HVAC systems.
Why it matters: HVAC technicians and installers may see demand for Zoneconnex retrofits or new installs. Adds a wi-fi zoning product to quote and recommend to clients.
The HIA has welcomed the WA Cook Government's support for recommissioning the Austral Brickworks facility at Cardup, calling it a positive step for building material supply in Western Australia.
Why it matters: Builders and bricklayers in WA may benefit from improved access to locally produced bricks, potentially easing supply constraints on residential construction projects.
Brickworks will restart operations at its Cardup facility in WA, with support from the WA Government. Industry group HIA has welcomed the announcement.
Why it matters: Builders in WA may see improved local brick supply, easing material shortages that have slowed residential and commercial construction projects.
Master Builders Australia warns that Federal Budget decisions risk worsening the collapse in public housing construction, a trend four decades in the making.
Why it matters: Builders and associated trades like plumbers and electricians may see fewer social housing project opportunities if government investment continues to decline.
HIA's Tasmanian Executive Director Benjamin Price addressed the Public Accounts Committee regarding TasWater's financial and operational performance. The statement covers issues relevant to the water utility's impact on the building and construction industry in Tasmania.
Why it matters: Builders and plumbers in Tasmania may be affected by TasWater's performance, including connection delays, infrastructure capacity, and cost impacts on new developments.
NSW government will fully fund training for up to half of all council planners to speed up housing development approvals. The program is developed jointly with the Department of Planning.
Why it matters: Builders and contractors in NSW could see faster DA approvals, reducing project delays and improving cash flow and scheduling certainty.
ABS Labour Force data for August shows unemployment nearing a five-year high. The construction sector is reportedly 141,000 workers short, compounding existing industry pressure.
Why it matters: Affects builders, plumbers, electricians and all trade types. Worker shortages mean longer project timelines, harder subcontractor sourcing, and upward pressure on labour costs.
HIA is working with government and manufacturers on brick supply and allocation issues affecting home building in WA. No specific outcomes or changes have been announced yet.
Why it matters: Builders in WA may face ongoing project delays due to brick shortages. Supply constraints can affect scheduling, contract timelines, and cash flow.
The ACT Government has introduced a Bill to amend the Property Developers Act 2024 just before mandatory developer licensing takes effect on 1 October 2026.
Why it matters: Builders and contractors in the ACT working with property developers need to know who holds a valid licence from October 2026, affecting who they can legally work for.
Hutchies has topped the HIA COLORBOND steel Housing 100 report as Queensland's largest home builder for 2025/26. The annual ranking lists the top residential builders across the state.
Why it matters: Relevant to builders and subcontractors in QLD who work with or compete against major volume builders. Knowing market leaders helps tradespeople target work opportunities.
From 1 October 2026, card surcharges will be banned in Australia. Builders, contractors and suppliers must update their pricing, contracts and payment systems before the deadline.
Why it matters: Affects builders, plumbers, electricians and all trade contractors who currently pass card fees to customers. They must absorb or restructure costs before October 2026.
The HIA has welcomed the NSW Government's Planning Practice Program, which aims to upskill town planners across NSW. HIA NSW Executive Director Brad Armitage expressed support for the Minns Government's commitment to the initiative.
Why it matters: Builders in NSW may benefit from faster or more consistent planning approvals if town planners are better trained, potentially reducing project delays.