Master Builders Association of WA

Property and construction groups say the state government’s new regulations to register building engineers are a welcome step, but more could be done.

Residential builders are returning to normalised levels of activity.

Western Australia’s largest local government has launched an online service, aimed to streamline more than 65 per cent of development applications lodged each year.

Master Builders Association of WA says ending fixed price contracts and abolishing six-day work weeks will help address the “profitless boom” experienced by the building sector.

Matt Mckenzie and Jordan Murray debate the extent to which local and state governments should be spending public money to attract arts, sports and technology businesses.

Firm Construction has fallen into administration, with director Mark O'Gorman saying the business had been doing everything it could to overcome financial challenges.

Senior editor Mark Beyer covers some of the highlights from his latest corporate finance feature.

Australia’s new home builds in 2022-23 are forecast to drop more than 16 per cent below the 200,000 houses per annum needed to meet the nation’s dwelling targets.

Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss interest rates, building activity, Fortescue Metals Group, development approvals, and preview next fortnight's edition of Business News.

A major WA homebuilder has had significant sales caps in place since June 2022, while the state government says it will consult on reform options for the construction industry.

Mark McGowan and Libby Mettam are at odds over the state of the homebuilding sector and whether a “crisis” was foreseeable.

As part of an ongoing series, Business News asks whether negative consequences from a 2020 sugar hit for housing should have been foreseen.

Broader praise for Western Australia's ‘ironclad budget’ has been accompanied by industry calls to build the state's investment appeal and diversify the economy.

John Gelavis has made the call to step down from the industry group after five years at the helm.

Commercial builders are paying close attention to the jobs they take on, given the volatile nature of the construction environment.

A planning policy over residential property in some western suburbs has led to multiple tribunal disputes.

A rise in failed builders has led to more indemnity claims, but taking on the stalled work can be fraught.

Master Builders Association of WA has announced Matthew Pollock as its new chief executive, succeeding John Gelavis who stepped down in August.

The rate of building approvals in Western Australia dipped while the national average grew, according to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

WA has reported its second lowest dwelling starts since records began in 1969, but housing completions are improving.

Resources royalty reliance and a lack of action on payroll tax were among the key observations from business groups digesting today’s state budget – the first from Treasurer Rita Saffioti.

State finance minister Sue Ellery says a new three-staged reform of procurement practices across Department of Finance-led construction projects will “ensure a fair go for everyone” within Western Australia's building and construction industry.

Commercial construction companies are discerning about the projects they take on, as the pipeline of work in WA looks strong.

The state government has upped the property price and income limits for its Keystart home loans, a move widely welcomed by industry stakeholders.

PACT Construction has been recognised for its work on the Forbes Residence development in Applecross at the Master Builders WA awards ceremony.

The latest reports about the CFMEU have sparked calls from the state’s construction industry body for authorities to examine the negotiation processes for EBAs.

The state government will introduce checks for construction union officials seeking worksite entry permits, but remains confident in the conduct of the local branch of the CFMEU.

Mark Beyer and Mark Pownall discuss the week in lithium; construction issues; Fortescue’s share price tumble; inflationary data; interest rates; house prices; CFMEU action; and Rex’s plight.

The peak body for the construction industry in WA has echoed calls for a dedicated building and construction visa pathway nationally.

Industry voices have praised the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2024, which passed through parliament overnight, but said an industry-specific watchdog needed to be established.

CFMEU leaders across the country have been sacked after it was put into administration, but Western Australian secretary Mick Buchan will remain in his role.

Skilled migrants and apprentices are helping fill personnel shortages in the state’s construction sector.

Annual inflation has returned to within the Reserve Bank’s target band for the first time since 2021, but experts say energy and rent assistance measures were hiding the true figure.

Master Builders Australia has called for a reduction in red tape for residential construction, amid revelations WA had the slowest approval to completion for new homes in the nation.

An updated listing of 450 occupations that will qualify for skilled migration has been welcomed by the motor trade but the building industry was disappointed by the outcome.

WA’s increase in new home completions is leading the nation but is still 500 homes short of the National Housing Accord Target, according to the ABS.

The property industry has welcomed a move by the state Labor Party to commit to increasing thresholds for stamp duty exemptions if re-elected.

Industry bodies have begun to digest Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ fourth federal budget, with the housing commitments described as modest and a missed opportunity for the sector.