{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationChanges to penalties and union right...a risk to the residential building industry?
Changes to penalties and union right...a risk to the residential building industry?
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 majority of businesses in the residential building industry are small businesses, they are the engine room of the Australian economy and are essential to ensuring the building of the homes Australia needs.
“The Bill proposes increasing penalties for non-serious breaches of workplace laws from $187,800 to nearly $1 million. This is excessive. The red tape and regulatory burden on business is significant, broad ranging and often businesses come unstuck due to the sheer volume of rules and requirements.
“Further, new rights for unions to talk with their members, and potential members, about IR issues and to have reasonable and unobstructed access to workplaces to talk about these matters is a red flag.
“Employee representatives already have a range of powers and rights, it is concerning the Bill appears to shift the dial in a way that would expand existing arrangements. These provisions should be removed from the Bill.
“A desire to close ‘loopholes’ should not also mean unwarranted and unjustified interference in the operation of a business,” added Ms Martin.
“Intentional rule breakers should be held accountable, but businesses must be supported to thrive and grow. The residential building industry is already facing a series of challenges from delays to price increases and skill shortages. The role of Government should be to let business do business, but a number of the proposals will simply add to the mounting risks being faced in the industry.
“While arrangements targeted at the gig economy will not impact independent contractors in the residential building industry, the Government’s commitment to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years needs an attractive, flexible and buoyant housing sector, increasing penalties 5-fold and expanding the presence of unions across workplaces will only serve to do the opposite,” concluded Ms Martin.
For more information please contact:
Melissa Adler
Executive Director - Industrial Relations and Legal Services
Security of payment act changes start 15 April 2026
Last year the Victorian government made changes to the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (SOP Act), with some of those changes to start from 15 April 2026.
New HIA report calls for action to unlock Tasmania's housing supply
Outdated subdivision and minimum lot size controls are preventing Tasmania from delivering the homes it needs, according to a new Housing Industry Association report.
Nothing brings satisfaction like a tradie career
“The knowledge that there will be good employment prospects at the completion of training, provides piece of mind for today’s up and coming tradies,” said HIA Executive Director Future Workforce, Mike Hermon.
Outdated lot size rules locking out thousands of new homes
New Housing Industry Association (HIA) analysis shows state and local governments are actively blocking housing supply while publicly committing to fix affordability.