{{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 locationGovernment agrees tradies are not 'employee-like'
Government agrees tradies are not 'employee-like'
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.
“Legislation introduced into Federal Parliament today confirms that tradies in the residential building industry will not be captured by measures targeted at ‘employee-like’ workers,” added Ms Martin.
“HIA have worked directly with the Government, including the Minister, to ensure that independent contractors, the majority of which are small businesses, and the engine room of the Australian economy, can continue to build the homes the Australian community so desperately needs.
“We are pleased the Government has listened to HIA’s concerns that reforms to industrial relations laws cannot and should not impact the status quo in the residential building industry. Protecting the rights of independent contractors is critical.
“Under the proposed laws a worker must be operating via a digital platform and be ‘employee-like’ to become subject to the Fair Work Commission’s proposed new powers to set minimum standards. Claims that the Commission will be able to force independent contractors to become employees don’t appear to hold much weight,” said Ms Martin.
“In a further win, and as a direct result of HIA’s lobbying efforts, apprentice and training arrangements have been expressly excluded from measures targeted at labour hire providers.
“HIA does remain concerned about several aspects of the Bill. HIA is keen to better understand how the proposed new jurisdiction of the Commission to deal with unfair contract terms and measures targeted at the road transport industry supply chain will affect independent contractors and the residential building industry.
“Independent contracting arrangements in the residential building industry are critical to delivering the Government’s commitment to build 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years and we will continue to work with the Government to ensure that these proposals do not jeopardise the operation of an industry already facing several significant challenges,” concluded Ms Martin.
For more information please contact:
Melissa Adler
Executive Director - Industrial Relations and Legal Services
Lowe Design & Build wins HIA Eastern Victoria Home of the Year
Lowe Design & Build has won the 2026 HIA Eastern Victoria Home of the Year award for an outstanding custom built home in Portsea.
New home market cannot absorb more taxes or rate increases
“Sales of new homes declined for a fourth consecutive month to their lowest level in more than a year, ensuring that a housing market slowdown is now set to occur in 2027,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
WA brick supply update: what builders need to know
HIA is continuing to work closely with Midland Brick and the Western Australian Government to address the current supply constraints affecting clay brick products across the WA market.
New HAFF funding stream opens for Class 1 housing projects
HIA welcomes the opening of a new funding stream under the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) creating a long-awaited opportunity for Class 1 housing projects to play a larger role in the delivery of social and affordable housing.