Safe Work Australia is marking the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, promoting the importance of safe and healthy workplaces nationwide.
Why it matters: A reminder for trades operators to review workplace safety obligations and practices.
A PVC pipe shortage is hitting Australia's plumbing and construction sectors hard, with major suppliers running critically low on stock. Master Plumbers NSW CEO Nathaniel Smith flagged the issue publicly on radio.
Why it matters: Job delays and cost blowouts likely as PVC pipe stock dries up across suppliers nationwide.
Master Builders Australia has made a formal submission regarding the National Employment Standards. The submission outlines the industry body's position on employment conditions affecting building and construction workers.
Why it matters: Changes to National Employment Standards can directly affect how trades businesses manage leave, hours and worker entitlements.
Master Builders Australia has submitted to Safe Work Australia on improving earthmoving machinery safety in construction. The submission addresses safety standards and practices for equipment used on building sites.
Why it matters: New earthmoving safety rules could change site compliance requirements and operator obligations for builders nationwide.
Master Builders Australia has submitted a response to the BSB Training Package consultation on a proposed Safe and Respectful Workplaces unit of competency for the building industry.
Why it matters: New mandatory training units could affect onboarding costs and compliance requirements for building trades businesses.
Master Builders Australia has lodged a formal submission to the federal Closing Loopholes Review 2026, outlining the building industry's position on recent industrial relations legislation.
Why it matters: IR law changes from Closing Loopholes may affect how you engage subcontractors and casual workers on site.
Master Builders Australia has lodged its 2026-27 Pre-Budget Submission outlining key priorities for the building and construction industry ahead of the federal budget.
Why it matters: Budget priorities could shape tax, wages, and funding conditions affecting builders and contractors nationally.
NSW Building Commission requires all gas Certificates of Compliance and Inspection to be submitted via the new BCNSW eCert portal from 1 March 2026. Gasfitters must transition to the digital system before the deadline.
Why it matters: NSW gasfitters must use the new eCert portal for all compliance certificates or risk non-compliance after March 2026.
NSW plumbers can access higher incentives under the Safeguard Acceleration Program until June 2027. The scheme lets plumbers offer larger discounts on heat pump water heaters to customers, reducing hot water bills.
Why it matters: NSW plumbers can earn higher rebates on heat pump installs, boosting margins and customer appeal until mid-2027.
MPA NSW CEO Nathaniel Smith appeared on 7NEWS to discuss union demands for mandatory national heat safety standards. The push follows record-breaking temperatures across Australia, with the ACTU seeking legal protections for outdoor workers.
Why it matters: Mandatory heat safety rules could add compliance obligations for trades businesses managing outdoor workers in hot conditions.
MPA NSW CEO Nathaniel Smith appeared on 2GB to oppose an ACTU push for a national stop-work temperature threshold for trades and outdoor workers. The union wants workers permitted to down tools above a set heat limit.
Why it matters: A mandatory heat stop-work threshold could legally halt outdoor jobs on hot days, directly affecting project timelines and labour costs.
Master Builders NSW is promoting renovation training through its registered training organisation. The course covers coordinating renovation projects and designing solutions for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.
Why it matters: Tradespeople can upskill in renovation project coordination to expand services and win more work.