{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Government agrees tradies are not 'employee-like'

Media release

Government agrees tradies are not 'employee-like'

Media release
“HIA has successfully convinced the Government that independent contracting arrangements in the residential building industry must not be impacted by the much-anticipated industrial relations reforms,” said Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.

“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:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Melissa Adler

Executive Director - Industrial Relations and Legal Services
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
08 Oct
Support for local manufacturing critical for delivery of home building targets

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is backing calls for a dedicated energy security and supply plan to support Australia’s building product manufacturing sector, acknowledging their critical importance to our economy and providing the essential products for our homes,” HIA Chief Executive – Industry and Policy, Simon Croft, said today.

07 Oct
Green shoots on clearing EPBC housing backlogs

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the announcement of over 4,600 new homes approved for construction under the national environmental laws, since August this year,” said HIA Chief Executive, Industry and Policy, Simon Croft.

03 Oct
HIA launches inaugural Safety Summit in Newcastle

October marks the beginning of National Safe Work Month – a time for us all to pause, reflect, and reinforce our commitment to creating a safe and healthy workplace for everyone,” said HIA Hunter Executive Director Craig Jennion.

02 Oct
Managing psychosocial hazards and risks at work

The Victorian government has introduced changes to OHS regulations that expressly requires employers to identify psychosocial hazards and how they intend to manage the risks to health and safety.