Closing Loopholes Independent Statutory Review Draft Report
HIA has submitted feedback to the Closing the Loopholes Statutory Review Draft Report, opposing the government's workplace relations reforms.
What does the Closing the Loopholes review mean for building businesses?
Builders and contractors may face changing workplace obligations that could affect hiring practices, employee management, and compliance costs.
Key takeaways
- HIA has challenged workplace relations reforms in a submission to the statutory review
- The submission responds to the Draft Report on Closing the Loopholes legislation
- Building industry employers may see changes to workplace relations requirements
Related
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Building approvals fell 3.4% in April, with detached houses down 0.9% and multi-units down 7.2%. HIA's Senior Economist Tom Devitt reported the figures.
Why it matters: Builders and carpenters should expect slightly reduced work pipeline in coming months as fewer new projects get approved across both house and apartment sectors.
Wage ruling will increase housing costs and hit small builders hardest
The Fair Work Commission has increased minimum award wages by 4.75%, which the Housing Industry Association warns will raise housing construction costs and particularly impact small building businesses.
Why it matters: Builders, especially small operators, will face higher labour costs that may be passed to clients or squeeze profit margins, potentially affecting project viability and competitive quoting.
2026 review of the Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003
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Why it matters: All Queensland tradies (builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters) will be affected as workers comp reforms could change insurance costs and claims processes, directly impacting business overheads and job pricing.