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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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Housing industry unites to warn government the SMSF decision will reduce new housing supply
The following is a joint media release from the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) and Property Council of Australia.
Tasmanian building approvals pick up but construction starts lag well behind decade average
New ABS data released today shows Tasmanian building approvals for new homes increased by 20.8 per cent in the month of May 2026 to 319.
Detached house approvals continue to pick up
“Building approvals for new houses increased to a new high in May 2026, up by 3.0 per cent to 10,690, the strongest month since September 2021, while multi-units decreased by 7.3 per cent in the month,” stated HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon.
Changes coming for building industry
Members in the ACT and Southern NSW are advised of a number of new measures that may impact your business in the new financial year.