News

  • Applications to open for Builders' Support Facility

    06 Nov, 2026

    Queensland opens $8.8M construction business grant program to cut red tape

    Small construction businesses and sole traders across Queensland can now access up to AU$5,000 to modernise their operations as applications officially open for the Queensland government’s AU$8.8 million Cons... more

  • WA government unveils plans for affordable housing near new METRONET station

    06 Nov, 2026

    WA government unveils high-density housing plan for METRONET precincts

    The Western Australian government has launched public consultation on a major plan to boost housing supply and density around METRONET train stations, opening up established Perth suburbs to significant multi-s... more

  • 05 Nov, 2026

    CIOB global Art of Building winners 2026 revealed

    Bangladeshi photojournalist Azim Khan Ronnie has made history by winning the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) prestigious Art of Building photography competition for a second time, becoming only the s... more

  • Industrial

    04 Nov, 2026

    ASI scheme to improve steel sustainability wins international award

    An Australian Steel Institute (ASI) certification scheme designed to improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards across the steel supply chain has received global recognition at an industry aw... more

  • Queensland opens $8.8M construction business grant program to cut red tape
    06 Nov, 2026
  • WA government unveils high-density housing plan for METRONET precincts
    06 Nov, 2026
  • CIOB global Art of Building winners 2026 revealed
    05 Nov, 2026
  • ASI scheme to improve steel sustainability wins international award
    04 Nov, 2026

Legal experts warn against winding back protections for Queensland workers

02 Apr, 2026
Legal experts and mental health advocates are calling on the Queensland government to not wind back workplace protections, as a major review of the state’s industrial relations and workers’ compensation systems gets underway. The review of the Industrial Relations Act 2016 and the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 comes…

Middle East conflict triggers construction sector cost concerns

01 Apr, 2026
Australia’s construction industry is facing a renewed and rapidly intensifying cost crisis, with the conflict in the Middle East driving up fuel prices, disrupting supply chains and triggering steep material price hikes that are placing builders, contractors and major infrastructure projects at risk. Industry analysts, including Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB),…

Multi‑unit approvals surge to highest level since 2018

01 Apr, 2026
Multi‑unit
Australia’s multi‑unit housing sector roared back to life in February, with approvals almost doubling to their strongest monthly level in nearly eight years, even as global tensions and fuel price spikes threaten to push up construction costs in the months ahead. New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released today…

NSW delays NCC 2025 adoption to 2027 to allow sector transition

25 Mar, 2026
NSW delays NCC 2025 adoption to 2027
New South Wales will adopt the new National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 on 1 May 2027, allowing the state’s building industry additional time to adjust to the updated requirements while maintaining the delivery of much-needed housing. The NCC is Australia’s primary set of building standards, outlining essential health, safety, amenity,…

Plumbers trade group urges government support amid PVC price hikes

23 Mar, 2026
The Master Plumbers Association (MPA) of New South Wales has issued a rebuke of government inaction as a fresh wave of global supply chain disruptions threatens to leave local tradespeople and construction companies exposed with no support. With critical building materials facing overnight price hikes of up to 35 per…

Fire safety compliance gaps threaten apartment residents

17 Mar, 2026
Fire safety compliance gaps threaten residents
New research into fire safety maintenance in apartment buildings has uncovered significant gaps in compliance across New South Wales and Victoria, raising concerns about the reliability of critical safety systems in high-density residential properties. The study, conducted by Dr Stephen Scimonello, Academic and Accreditation Policy Manager at the Australian Institute…

AFA warns of mounting fit-out procurement failures

14 Mar, 2026
AFA warns of mounting procurement failures
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) has raised serious concerns about the growing risks linked to poor government procurement practices for furniture and furnishings, warning that inaction across agencies is resulting in regulatory exposure, supplier disputes, cost blowouts, reputational damage, and heightened scrutiny from oversight bodies. The association said that across…