Master Builders Association of NSW

The NSW Government has a unique opportunity to stamp out the sector’s ingrained lawlessness and thuggery once and for all by reviewing procurement policies and ensuring genuine agreement to the CFMEU pattern Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
Find out more here: https://dontsign.com.au

NSW GOVERNMENT MOVES TO PLACE CFMEU NSW INTO ADMINISTRATION
Master Builders thanks the NSW Government in the strongest terms for taking this vital step to help ensure the ongoing integrity and viability of the industry in our state. Futher information in the comments.

CFMEU to face fresh crackdown There’s been a fresh push to “clean up” the CFMEU’s construction division, just days after the national union watchdog launched court action.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has taken a major step to address concerns within the CFMEU's NSW Construction Division. Check your inbox for our email detailing the Fair Work Commission's application to place the division (and several state branches) into administration.

Recent media reporting into allegations involving the CFMEU, its officials and delegates is currently being analysed and considered by the Fair Work Commission.

The Commission is seeking information, materials or evidence from any person, worker, company or organisation that may have knowledge of or have witnessed conduct or activity involving possible contraventions of the law by CFMEU officials or representatives.

To lodge a complaint via an online form, visit www.fwc.gov.au/reportcfmeu or call the dedicated phone line 03 9063 7633 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST).

You have the option to provide this information anonymously.

Members may also be considered a protected discloser (whistleblower) under the Registration Organisations Act. This means you will be protected from reprisals taken or threatened against you as a result of making a protected disclosure.

More information on whistleblower protections can be found in the comments of this post.

The latest reports on the CFMEU highlight issues our industry has faced for decades. It's time for a change. We all deserve a lawful, safe, and corruption-free work environment.

The entrenched culture of intimidation and inflated costs must be eradicated to benefit the community, taxpayers, and small businesses.

Master Builders supports the Government’s measures and the call for increased police and regulatory powers. Read more here: https://www.mbansw.asn.au/media/industry-news/note-members-cfmeu-investigation-and-next-steps

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its June 2024 building approvals data for detached houses and multi-units across all states and territories. Despite a slight increase earlier this year, approvals remain at near-decade lows, with NSW significantly impacting national figures.

In June, approvals for new dwellings totalled 13,237, marking a 6.5 per cent decline from May. Over the 2023/24 financial year, only 163,000 homes were approved, falling 77,000 short of the annual Housing Accord target, according to Master Builders Australia's chief economist, Shane Garrett.

Read more here: https://www.mbansw.asn.au/media/industry-news/building-approvals-fall-65-june-reversing-may-gains

"We want homes and apartments to be available to first-time homeowners and young Australians, but if the cost of labour keeps going up, that will be unattainable."
- Brian Seidler, Master Builders NSW

Builders fear new house prices could surge again | 7NEWS Builders fear new house prices could surge again because of a pay deal being worked out with labourers.Thousands of new homes are starting to come online acr...

Congratulations to the winners of the Master Builders 2024 Building Degree Graduate Awards!
1st Place - Frank Galluzzo from
2nd Place - Emmeline Rocks from Zauner Construction Pty Ltd
3rd Place - Isabelle Borg from Constructions
Thank you to all who entered the awards this year. Submissions were of a very impressive calibre, and all our entrants are a credit to the future of the Construction Industry.

Also, many thanks to our valued partner Cbus Super for your continued support.
It was a pleasure to hear from Kristian Fok, CEO, Cbus Super who delivered an inspiring industry presentation.

It was a full house at Royal Randwick today for the Master Builders Annual Top50 Builders Luncheon. Over 200 attendees came together to discuss the future of construction in NSW. Our guest speaker, NSW Building Commissioner Mr David Chandler OAM delivered an insightful presentation on the topic of “What Good Looks Like” in construction.

Ready to be inspired? Join us for the next FLORENCE Luncheon on August 23rd, featuring world-record-holding sailor Lisa Blair!

Hear her incredible stories of solo sailing around Antarctica, and learn about the endurance and passion it took to achieve her goals.

This is your chance to network, enjoy delicious food, and support women in construction.

Don't miss out! Book your place by August 9th. Find out more here: https://www.florenceaustralia.com.au/luncheons

A 17-year-old formwork worker was severely injured after falling 9.5 meters through a gap in scaffolding. This tragic event highlights the increased risk young workers face on construction sites.

Are you doing everything you can to protect YOUR team?

Learn how to implement 'reasonably practicable' control measures to prevent falls and safeguard your young workers.

For more information, visit SafeWork NSW website: https://bit.ly/3Sm2auY

Brian Seidler, Executive Director of Master Builders NSW, was on air with 2GB to discuss the joint media investigation into the operations and underworld links within the CFMEU.

Listen to the podcast here:

CFMEU reps disregard the law & the industry it claims to represent Clinton is joined by Brian Seidler, Executive Director at Master Builders Association New South Wales, to discuss a joint media investigation into the operations and underworld links within the CFMEU. The investigation confirms what Master Builders has long highlighted—union representatives displa...

The Fair Work Commission is undertaking careful analysis of the extensive media reporting involving the Construction and General Division of the CFMEU in relation to alleged non-compliance under the Registered Organisations Act.
Read the Fair Work Commission Statement here:
https://newshub.medianet.com.au/2024/07/fwc-statement-on-the-cfmeu/57759

The NSW Government calls for the immediate suspension of the CFMEU Construction and General Division’s affiliation from the NSW Labor Party and to stop any donations or affiliation fees.

Statement on CFMEU The revelations that have come to light this morning are appalling.

Master Builders Australia welcomes the Fair Work Commission's move to appoint an independent administrator for the CFMEU. This is a crucial step to address serious allegations and end the toxic culture within building unions.
Read Master Builder's latest media release on the issue here:
https://www.mbansw.asn.au/media/industry-news/statement-federal-government-and-fair-work-actions-re-cfmeu

Master Builders NSW supports Victoria's request for a federal review of CFMEU EBA's. The move would give NSW contractors more confidence to challenge unfair deals.
https://www.afr.com/property/commercial/we-can-t-even-dictate-contractors-nsw-builders-eye-eba-changes-20240715-p5jtp9?utm_content=ASSETS&promote_channel=edmail&utm_campaign=afr-notification&utm_medium=email&utm_source=notification&utm_term=2024-07-15&instance=2024-07-15-19-57-AEST

A joint media investigation has confirmed long-standing concerns about the CFMEU's unlawful activities. Master Builders urges the government to take immediate action to address this issue. Key recommendations include:

- Establishment of a cross-jurisdiction police strike force
- A Fair Work Ombudsman review of CFMEU activities
- An ACCC investigation into competition law violations
- Legislation to increase the powers of the Fair Work Ombudsman and protect complainants

Read Master Builder's latest media release on the issue here:
https://www.mbansw.asn.au/media/industry-news/master-builders-statement-cfmeu-investigation

Construction union boss John Setka has resigned facing a raft of explosive allegations about misconduct involving him and the CFMEU.

After he and his union were repeatedly questioned as part of a joint investigation from The Australian Financial Review, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes, Setka announced on Friday evening he would quit immediately.

The first part of the months-long investigation will be published in The Age on Saturday morning, with more instalments through the weekend including on 60 Minutes on Sunday night.

In a statement on Friday night, the union said the decision was because of “ongoing and relentless stories written with multiple allegations whether true or not about this great union”.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/john-setka-resigns-immediately-as-head-of-cfmeu-20240712-p5jtb2.html

Join us at the prestigious Top 50 Builders Luncheon with special guest speaker, NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler OAM. He will speak on the theme of “What Good Looks Like” and outline NSW Government expectations for defect-free buildings. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with industry leaders.
Book your seats here: https://www.mbansw.asn.au/events/top-50-builders-luncheon-0

Transport for NSW, alongside key industry representatives, has just launched the first official Do***ng & Rigging Guide since 2003. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the safe use of do***ng, rigging, and cranes.

What's inside?
- 18 detailed sections
- Practical calculators
- Equipment and video guides
This guide was developed with Bullivants, Fulton Hogan, CICA, and the Master Builders Association NSW. After showcasing the draft at major industry events in 2023, the guide is now fully launched and ready for use.
Find out more here: https://www.do***ngandrigging.nsw.gov.au

The CFMEU's new NSW wages deal and rising building costs will add 10 percent to the cost of new apartments, more than double the current rate of inflation. Quantity surveyor Rider Levett Bucknall found the construction union's latest deal, which delivered a record 7 percent pay rise this year, would lift labour costs on projects by up to 19 percent in its first year alone.

Master Builders Association NSW executive Brian Seidler, who commissioned the analysis, said the figures showed the CFMEU’s extraordinary increases this year could halt projects.

“There will be a day of reckoning where it’s just too expensive to build,” he said.

“The public sector will have no alternative but to use contractors who accept the union agreements. But the private sector will see the costs are too great and will either shelve the projects or downscale them. They won’t proceed with them because the figures just don’t line up.”

Federal and state governments have agreed to build 1.2 million new homes over the next five years, including 377,000 in NSW. Mr. Seidler said at least half the homes in NSW had to come from apartment construction, which could only be built by large commercial contractors.

“If those large contractors are paid under the new EBA, then the cost will be reflected in the price to the consumer. For the average person aiming to get into their first home, it will be too expensive.”

https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/cfmeu-deal-helps-add-10pc-to-apartment-costs-20240709-p5js61

Prepare for significant cost hikes in construction over the next four years, potentially exceeding 30%. Brian Seidler, Executive Director of Master Builders NSW, sheds light on the challenges ahead:

- Labour costs are escalating, and with 1.2 million homes needed in Australia by 2029, including 377,000 in NSW, the demand for tradespeople is unprecedented.
- While material prices appear to be plateauing, energy costs will continue to put pressure on the cost of many products.
- Commercial contractors, especially in NSW, are under pressure to sign Union pattern agreements which will significantly add to the cost of building.

Seidler underscores the importance of building now to mitigate future price escalations.

Hear more in Brian’s chat with the TODAY show here: https://youtu.be/Sc2M6YDXDig?si=5yltjhJD_cygffTf

Brian Seidler, ED of the Master Builders Association of NSW, points out that while there has been a promising increase in applications over the past two months, it's essential to recognise the significant 18.2% decline in approvals over the past year. This decrease is limiting builders' capacity to meet the urgent housing needs in NSW, despite their readiness to construct more homes.

Seidler emphasises that builders are eager to work, but regulatory delays and high construction costs are major roadblocks. Without significant changes, the housing crisis will persist, impacting the economy and fuelling inflation.

This news comes as the NSW government rejects plans for over 11,000 homes, further exacerbating the housing crisis. The situation underscores the urgent need for streamlined approval processes and measures to reduce construction costs.

Full article here: https://bit.ly/4bwKEL2

The Australian Skills Guarantee (ASG) is now in play. This initiative sets new targets for apprentices and trainees on major government-funded projects valued at $10M+

In short:
• 10% of all labour hours must be done by apprentices/trainees
• 6% of apprentice/trainee hours must be done by women
• 4% of trade apprentice/trainee hours must be done by women

These ASG targets for women will increase each year until 2030. For full details, visit https://www.dewr.gov.au/australian-skills-guarantee

🔨 Special Free Industry Event in Wollongong 🔨

Join us for an insightful event featuring keynotes from industry leaders:

NSW Building Commission Keynote by David Chandler OAM
- Overview and achievements over the past 5 years
- Significant changes in the construction industry

Building Operations Keynote by Matt Press
- Data on Wollongong's footprint, risky players, and developments
- Progress of the NSW Building Bill in 2024
- Modernising construction, reducing embodied carbon, and addressing ageing buildings

Master Builders Industry Update by Brian Seidler AM
- Current industry challenges
- National housing accord targets
- MBA policy priorities

Panel Discussion - 'What Good Looks Like'
The focus is shifting from poor quality to educating on excellence. Featuring:
- David Chandler OAM
- Matt Press
- John Khouri
- Ethan Sinclair

Book here: https://www.mbansw.asn.au/events/wollongong-afternoon-nsw-building-commissioner

The collapse of a "substantial builder", Project Coordination, has taken some in the industry by surprise.

Brian Seidler, Executive Director of the Master Builders Association NSW said such companies going into administration wasn't good news for the industry, as builders going out of business would impact on the state's ability to meet its housing targets. In NSW's case, this is about 377,000 new homes over the next five years.

Mr Seidler said when such company collapses happen, his initial concern was whether or not the contractors who had been working for the company and the employees received their entitlements.

"The other concern is that in many instances, particularly recently, we're seeing builders who have been established in the industry - such as this company, who do a lot of work in the ACT and NSW - who have had this happen.

'I felt for them': Industry responds to collapse of Illawarra builder 'It's a 50-year-old family business over a couple of generations.'

The new Shellharbour Hospital is on track for the next phase of construction, with early works nearing completion.

Minister for Health Ryan Park and Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson today visited the site to meet with workers and inspect the progress on the new hospital, which is being delivered as part of the more than $700 million new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project.

Site works on track for new Shellharbour Hospital The new Shellharbour Hospital is on track for the next phase of construction, with early works nearing completion.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's has announced that up to 200,000 licence holders operating in the trades and construction sectors will not have to pay up to $50 million worth of licence fees.

Licence fee waivers for tradies to help keep Illawarra's economy ticking The Illawarra Business Chamber has welcomed NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's announcement that up to 200,000 licence holders operating in the trades and const...

Attention Builders - Our Master Builders industry best practice waterproofing short courses are designed to provide you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to ensure your internal and external waterproofing is done right the first time. For more info:

External - https://www.mbansw.asn.au/training/ewbp-external-waterproofing-industry-best-practice-8

Internal - https://www.mbansw.asn.au/training/iwbp-internal-waterproofing-industry-best-practice-8

Small business owners who attended the Digital and Innovation Seminar yesterday in Wollongong gained knowledge and confidence to succeed online. Facilitated by Dinesh from Net Stripes, the online strategies every small business owner needs to know are revealed. An insightful and engaging seminar had by all at Master Builders.

Enrol between Saturday 7 December 2019 and Thursday 19 December 2019 into any of our short courses listed below during January 2020 and February 2020 to receive a 10% discount!
* First Aid
* Work Safely at Heights
* Pre-Purchase Inspection Report Writing
* Keys to Property Development
* Internal Waterproofing - Industry Best Practice
* External Waterproofing - Industry Best Practice

For more information and to enrol, go to: https://lnkd.in/g_9YmsA or call us on (02) 8586 3588

Lead, manage and deliver projects within scope, time and budget, increase your career opportunities, study online and save time commuting to classes. Don't miss out on this awesome online training course, run by the Master Builders, a leading Government Training Organisation (GTO). Register now and lead projects with confidence! Click the link now ! https://www.mbansw.asn.au/training/diploma-project-management-online

Our new and improved Cronulla/Sutherland Division Committee, thank you to each and every one of you for volunteering your time to be a part of our community. We are very grateful for your contribution to the industry and we aim to continue to support you all !! Congratulations on being re-elected for another term as President on the committee. Huge thank you to Harry from the Harvey Norman Commercial Division and Mark from Fair Trading for your time and for being very informative for our members!