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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationCopper theft crippling construction sector - urgent regulatory action needed
Copper theft crippling construction sector - urgent regulatory action needed
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The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has renewed calls for urgent regulatory action to combat the growing scourge of copper theft, following recent police charges over alleged thefts targeting electricity and construction infrastructure across Tasmania.
Friday, 01st May 2026
HIA Tasmania Executive Director Benjamin Price said the latest arrests highlight the scale and seriousness of the problem – but also underline that enforcement alone is not enough.
“These arrests show police are taking this seriously, but by the time matters reach a criminal investigation, the damage is largely already done,” Mr Price said.
“For builders and contractors, copper theft means project delays, major repair costs, safety risks and insurance claims all long before a court date is set.”
Mr Price said HIA’s renewed calls come following reporting of major copper thefts on the west coast targeting electrical infrastructure.
Mr Price continued that while large-scale infrastructure projects are often in the spotlight, copper theft is also having a significant impact on residential construction of all sizes, from small unit developments to single-home builds.
“This is not just a commercial or infrastructure issue. Residential builders are being hit hard with wiring stripped from homes under construction, electrical systems destroyed, and projects stalled,” he said. “Every theft adds cost and delay, which ultimately flows through to homebuyers.”
HIA has previously participated in roundtables with government and industry to discuss the issue, but Mr Price said discussions must now translate into action.
“We’ve had the meetings. We’ve shared the evidence. What’s needed now is decisive regulatory reform,” he said.
In particular, HIA is calling for changes that remove the ability to easily dispose of stolen copper through second-hand and scrap metal dealers.
“As long as there is a straightforward path to sell stolen copper, this crime will continue,” Mr Price said. “Stronger regulation, traceability requirements and enforcement at the point of sale are essential if we want to stop these thefts before they occur.”
Mr Price said reducing copper theft is critical not only for protecting construction businesses, but for safeguarding essential services and keeping housing delivery on track.
“Builders cannot police this problem on their own. Without regulatory action that tackles the market for stolen material, we will keep seeing the same offences repeated across the state.”
“We are continuing to call for a regulatory solution, not continuing to rely solely on a police response.”
“These arrests show police are taking this seriously, but by the time matters reach a criminal investigation, the damage is largely already done,” Mr Price said.
“For builders and contractors, copper theft means project delays, major repair costs, safety risks and insurance claims all long before a court date is set.”
Mr Price said HIA’s renewed calls come following reporting of major copper thefts on the west coast targeting electrical infrastructure.
Mr Price continued that while large-scale infrastructure projects are often in the spotlight, copper theft is also having a significant impact on residential construction of all sizes, from small unit developments to single-home builds.
“This is not just a commercial or infrastructure issue. Residential builders are being hit hard with wiring stripped from homes under construction, electrical systems destroyed, and projects stalled,” he said. “Every theft adds cost and delay, which ultimately flows through to homebuyers.”
HIA has previously participated in roundtables with government and industry to discuss the issue, but Mr Price said discussions must now translate into action.
“We’ve had the meetings. We’ve shared the evidence. What’s needed now is decisive regulatory reform,” he said.
In particular, HIA is calling for changes that remove the ability to easily dispose of stolen copper through second-hand and scrap metal dealers.
“As long as there is a straightforward path to sell stolen copper, this crime will continue,” Mr Price said. “Stronger regulation, traceability requirements and enforcement at the point of sale are essential if we want to stop these thefts before they occur.”
Mr Price said reducing copper theft is critical not only for protecting construction businesses, but for safeguarding essential services and keeping housing delivery on track.
“Builders cannot police this problem on their own. Without regulatory action that tackles the market for stolen material, we will keep seeing the same offences repeated across the state.”
“We are continuing to call for a regulatory solution, not continuing to rely solely on a police response.”
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