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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationPractical approach needed to avoid shutdown of housing sites
Practical approach needed to avoid shutdown of housing sites
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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.”
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CBOS has split in two: who to contact now
From 1 October 2026, CBOS no longer exists as a single agency. The Tasmanian Government has split its work between two regulators, Building Standards Tasmania (BST) and Consumer Affairs Tasmania (CAT).
HIA remembers Kevin Brock
It is with great sadness that I advise of the passing of HIA Life Member Kevin Brock, aged 87.
Come walk a day in the shoes of small business
Before introducing another tax, another reporting requirement, another compliance obligation or another cost increase, HIA is calling on government ministers and policymakers to spend a day in the shoes of a small business owner.
Tradies teaching tradies key to growing Australia's construction workforce
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the Australian Government's $5 million pilot investment to support experienced tradespeople to become vocational education and training (VET) teachers, saying it addresses a longstanding challenge facing the construction training system.