Address
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location Address
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationCopper theft crippling construction sector - urgent regulatory action needed
Copper theft crippling construction sector - urgent regulatory action needed
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
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.”
For more information please contact:
Latest articles
07 May
WA State Budget delivers record housing investment
Today Treasurer Rita Saffioti delivered the 2026/27 budget for the Cook Labor Government in WA.
07 May
HIA welcomes record housing investment: no better place to be a tradie
The 2026/27 Western Australian State Budget delivers a strong platform to boost housing supply while creating significant opportunities for skilled trades and the next generation of industry workers, according to HIA Executive Director WA, Michael McGowan.
06 May
Victorian Budget Contains Few Positives for Home Builders
This year’s predictable ‘election focused’ State Budget has missed the opportunity to improve the environment for home building. It contains few positive measures to increase housing supply, address housing affordability and lower the costs facing new home builders.
06 May
HIA welcomes grant extensions in NT Budget but calls for stronger skills focus
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) says the Northern Territory’s 2026–27 Budget maintains key housing incentives but falls short of the investment needed to significantly lift housing supply and address skills shortages in the construction sector,” said Luis Espinoza, HIA Executive Director, Northern Territory.