HIA’s latest ‘Small Business Conditions Survey Report 2026’ shows rising insurance costs are the number one pressure on small building businesses. Nationally, 72 per cent of respondents selected insurance as a top pain point, with the figure at 68 per cent in Tasmania.

HIA Executive Director Tasmania, Benjamin Price, said copper and other theft on building sites has become a serious and costly problem. The damage, delays and disruption it causes are flowing through to insurance pressure at a time when many small builders can least afford it.

“This isn’t just about materials going missing, it’s also about the insurance impact that follows. Theft increases claims and risk, and insurers price in that risk. Strong laws will help ease that pressure.”

Mr Price said the reforms must focus on the disposal pathway. “If we crack down on the disposal of stolen scrap metal, we remove the market that fuels these thefts in the first place. When offenders can’t offload stolen copper, the incentive disappears.

“HIA supports practical measures that tighten identification checks and record keeping in the scrap metal trade, require reporting of suspicious offers, and give regulators the ability to audit and investigate scrap metal dealers where necessary. 

“Addressing the problem of copper and other site theft will improve safety, reduce losses to businesses and help keep building costs in check for Tasmanian families.

“Every copper theft is a double blow to business – stolen materials and higher insurance pressure. Stop the disposal of stolen scrap metal, and you stop the theft,” said Mr Price.

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