Senate Report into Budget tax hikes fails housing supply
A Senate Economics Legislation Committee report on Budget tax legislation has been released. Master Builders Australia argues the tax measures fail to address Australia's housing supply crisis.
Will the federal Budget tax hikes make Australia's housing supply crisis worse for builders?
Builders and contractors may face ongoing housing project slowdowns if tax settings discourage new supply. Affects builders and tradies relying on residential construction pipelines.
Key takeaways
- The Senate Economics Legislation Committee has released its report on the first tranche of Budget tax legislation.
- Master Builders Australia says the tax hikes do not address the housing supply shortage.
- The outcome could affect the volume of residential building work available to tradies.
- No specific relief measures for the construction sector were flagged in the report.
Related
RBA decision another sign the Federal Parliament should reject the tax hikes on housing – Statement from Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn
The RBA has held interest rates at 4.35%. Master Builders Australia is using the decision to renew calls for Federal Parliament to reject proposed tax hikes on housing.
Why it matters: Builders and contractors face ongoing cost pressures. Tax hikes on housing could reduce new project starts, directly cutting work for builders, plumbers, and electricians.
Building approvals slump as industry braces for tax changes
ABS data shows building approvals fell 3.4% in April 2026, as the construction industry anticipates upcoming tax policy changes that may be affecting investor and developer decisions.
Why it matters: Builders and related trades may see reduced work pipelines in coming months as fewer projects get approved. Could mean tighter cashflow and less job security.
Government's Budget amendments welcomed but miss the central flaw
Master Builders Australia welcomed federal Budget amendments but says they fail to fix the core problem with the legislation. No specific details of the amendments or the flaw are provided in the article.
Why it matters: Builders and contractors may be affected by Budget legislation changes. The unresolved core flaw could have ongoing impacts on business costs or conditions.