Matter: MS2026/1 – one month review of the Road Transport Contractual Chain Supply Order
HIA submitted to the Expert Panel's one-month review of the Road Transport Contracting Chain Order made in April 2026. The submission aims to inform the panel's assessment of the order's early impact.
What's in HIA's review of the Road Transport Contracting Chain Order?
Supply chain transport rules can affect material delivery costs and timelines for trade businesses.
Related
Increases to annual minimum wage
Fair Work Commission has increased the national minimum wage and modern award minimum wages by 4.75 per cent in its Annual Minimum Wage decision announced today.
Why it matters: Affects all trade businesses including plumbers, electricians, builders, and HVAC technicians who employ award-rate workers. Will increase labour costs and may require adjustment to quotes and pricing.
Approvals reflect good momentum heading into 2026
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.