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“We have written to Minister Gentleman urging him to immediately halt the new laws, on the basis that they are impossible to comply with, inconsistent with national safety rules, and are not the rules the government’s own policy set out in April this year,” said HIA Executive Director, Greg Weller.
“The new regulations require that any cutting, drilling or grinding products that contain silica must use ‘wet-cutting’ to manage the risk of harmful dust, for all products in all situations. This includes working in indoor areas with electrical tools.
“The industry whole-heartedly supports the intention of preventing harm from this dangerous dust, however, the physical tools to comply with this strategy and use water simply don’t exist.
“The use of water in close proximity to electrical equipment will introduce unacceptable safety risks to workers.
“While the government might say this is best practice and driven by safety concerns, it is inconsistent with the approach to managing this risk in the rest of Australia, and the world.
“WorkSafe ACT made the very sensible decision in June to give industry a three-month exemption from the rules while further discussions take place. However, there has been no indication as to what (if any) changes the Minister will make before next Monday. It is not reasonable to leave the industry in the dark with only days to go before the exemption ends.
“HIA has requested the Minister change the regulations to align with the government’s policy to permit controlled dry cutting for specific products where water will create a risk.
“These tools can be made safe using other approved methods and should be allowed in the ACT as they are across the rest of Australia.”
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.
Outdated subdivision and minimum lot size controls are preventing Tasmania from delivering the homes it needs, according to a new Housing Industry Association report.
“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.
New Housing Industry Association (HIA) analysis shows state and local governments are actively blocking housing supply while publicly committing to fix affordability.