NSW's top 20 builders started 12,555 new homes in 2025/26, holding steady despite ongoing industry pressures. HIA reports the sector is maintaining output levels year-on-year.
Why it matters: Builders in NSW can take some confidence that large-scale housing starts are stable, suggesting steady pipeline work. Subcontractors including plumbers, electricians and carpenters may see consistent demand continue.
Over 30 organisations have launched the Electrify Australia campaign, with the public launch held at Parliament House in Canberra. The coalition aims to accelerate electrification across Australia.
Why it matters: Electricians and HVAC technicians may see increased demand as electrification of homes and businesses grows. Could drive more work in electrical upgrades and heat pump installations.
Safe Work Australia has published findings from the 2026 Australian Worker Exposure Survey, detailing workplace hazard exposure data across Australian industries.
Why it matters: Builders, electricians, plumbers and other tradies may face updated safety obligations if the survey flags higher hazard exposure in their sectors.
Australia marks 10 years of the Kigali Amendment's HFC phase-down, prompting a review of refrigerant policy and industry practices. The focus is on managing the transition away from high-GWP refrigerants.
Why it matters: HVAC and refrigeration technicians face ongoing changes to which refrigerants they can use and stock. Compliance and licensing obligations may tighten as the phase-down progresses.
All Australian jurisdictions now have security of payment laws, 27 years after NSW introduced the first Act. The legislation is functioning as intended across the country.
Why it matters: Builders, plumbers, electricians and other contractors rely on security of payment laws to recover unpaid debts. If contracts are being drafted around the Act, cash flow protections may be undermined.
TasWater has paid $120 million in dividends to Tasmanian councils while charging homebuyers fees on undeveloped blocks. Critics argue this financial structure is breaking the state's water system.
Why it matters: Plumbers and builders in Tasmania face project delays and cost blowouts tied to TasWater's strained infrastructure. New housing developments may be harder to connect and more expensive to service.
Queensland's major project pipeline is outpacing its skilled construction workforce. Workforce planning is flagged as critical to delivering the housing the state needs.
Why it matters: Builders, electricians, plumbers and other tradies in QLD may see rising demand for work but also skills shortages affecting project timelines and subcontractor availability.
VCAT has issued a landmark ruling related to combustible cladding. No further details about the decision, parties involved, or outcomes are provided in the article.
Why it matters: Builders and cladding contractors in VIC may be affected. The ruling could influence liability, rectification obligations, or insurance requirements.
HIA has updated its WA contracts with revised dispute resolution processes. Changes aim to clarify steps, encourage early resolution, and reduce project delays caused by disputes.
Why it matters: Builders and contractors in WA using HIA contracts will face new dispute procedures. Understanding the steps is essential to avoid project delays or legal missteps.
HIA members have raised concerns about the NT Fidelity Fund's transparency and response times. HIA has been advocating for improvements to reduce impacts on businesses and homeowners.
Why it matters: Builders in the NT are affected. Slow response times and lack of transparency in the Fidelity Fund can delay projects and create cash flow problems.
Master Builders Australia has responded to the 2026 Intergenerational Report, which highlights housing supply as central to affordability. CEO Denita Wawn issued a statement backing the report's findings.
Why it matters: Builders and related trades may see policy shifts toward increased housing construction. More supply-focused policy could mean more work and project pipelines for residential tradespeople.
North Queensland faces a skilled tradie shortage that threatens home building targets. Housing is competing with infrastructure, energy and new industries for the same limited workforce.
Why it matters: Builders, plumbers, electricians and other tradies in North QLD may see increased demand and job opportunities, but project timelines and costs could be affected by workforce competition.
HIA submitted a response to Safe Work Australia's consultation on reviewing health and air monitoring rules for hazardous chemicals under model WHS laws. The review could change compliance obligations for building industry businesses.
Why it matters: Builders, painters, and other tradies handling hazardous chemicals may face updated monitoring and reporting requirements. Changes could affect site procedures and compliance costs.
MyLeave supports WA's construction workforce by providing portable long service leave for workers in the building industry. The scheme helps retain skilled tradespeople across housing and economic projects.
Why it matters: Affects builders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other tradies in WA. Portable leave entitlements follow workers between employers, impacting how businesses manage leave obligations.
HIA report warns that a skilled trades shortage is blocking housing delivery across Australia. Without more tradespeople, housing targets cannot be met.
Why it matters: Affects builders, plumbers, electricians and carpenters directly. Ongoing labour shortages mean more work but also project delays and pressure on existing crews.
The Housing Industry Association has come out against a proposed minimum tax on discretionary trusts and the related Excluded Election Trust regime. No further detail on the policy mechanics is provided in the article.
Why it matters: Builders and trade contractors who operate through discretionary trusts could face higher tax bills if this policy proceeds, affecting business structure decisions.
Master Builders Australia gave an opening statement to a federal inquiry into the value of skilled migration. The full content of the statement was not provided. The inquiry appears focused on migration's role in addressing workforce shortages.
Why it matters: Builders and trade contractors may be affected if the inquiry leads to changes in skilled migration policy, impacting labour supply on job sites.
Kennards Hire research shows 42% of Australians have attempted DIY jobs instead of hiring a tradie, later regretting it. The findings highlight ongoing consumer demand for professional trade services.
Why it matters: Affects all trade types. Suggests strong underlying demand for tradies, with DIY failures likely generating call-out work for plumbers, electricians, builders and others.
Kennards Hire research shows 42% of Australians have attempted DIY jobs instead of hiring a tradie, later regretting the decision. The findings highlight ongoing demand for professional trade services.
Why it matters: Affects all trade types. Suggests strong ongoing demand for professional tradies as DIY attempts often fail, potentially generating call-out and repair work.
WA has raised social housing income eligibility limits for the tenth time since 2020, allowing more residents to qualify for assistance.
Why it matters: Builders and tradespeople in WA may see increased social housing project pipelines, potentially lifting demand for construction and maintenance work.