Scroll Top
Latest on CFMEU
Housing crisis
CONSTRUCT YOUR CAREER Download now  The ultimate guide to jobs in building and construction Call or visit Send a letter Demand action from your local MP and political candidates have your say     How has the housing crisis impacted you or your family?   Rising business costs   Lack of infrastructure   High taxes   High rents   Tradie shortages   Struggling economy Australia’s housing crisis has been decades in the making and requires a coordinated approach by governments at every level across a range of portfolios. The building and construction industry is central to the solution with the residential, commercial and civil construction sectors all playing a role to build the communities Australians need.

Ahead of the next Federal Election, the building and construction industry is urging political parties and candidates to consider the following policies to end the housing crisis.

   REGISTER FOR UPDATES Read release   Australia will fall over 166,000 homes short of Housing Accord target Register   Register for our upcoming webinar purchase report  Are we building enough homes in your state? 2024 Forecasts out now! Master Builders second 2024 building and construction industry forecasts are out now. Updated every six months, this is the second forecasts that cover the full five-year Housing Accord period and provide insights into the residential, commercial and civil construction sectors. Read statement   Latest news: CFMEU placed into administration Watch   Important industry webinar: Find out how this impacts you. Get involved  Want to make a complaint or share information regarding the CFMEU?

There are two distinct investigations involving the CFMEU and its officials by workplace regulators.

You can do this anonymously or ask that your details are kept confidential. CFMEU investigation and what this means for the industry The joint media investigation into the operations and alleged underworld links within the CFMEU confirms what Master Builders has long known and called out.

We all, whether as employers, workers or union members, deserve to work in an industry that is lawful, safe and free from corruption, coercion, bullying and intimidation.

This is a unique opportunity for governments of all levels to ensure that the building and construction industry is lawful, modern, safe, and productive now and in the future.
The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister

“Your organisation can always be counted upon to cut to the heart of issues affecting infrastructure policy in this country.”

The Hon. Peter Dutton MP
Leader of the Opposition

“It’s refreshing to see the work of the Master Builders over a long period of time.”

The Hon. Michael Sukkar MP
Former Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing

“The on the ground feedback that the MBA have provided government was invaluable, particularly in a time of crisis.”

The Hon. Ed Husic MP
Minister for Industry and Science

“Thank you for your broader advocacy and contribution. Clearly what you do in the wider economy, but also for communities matters.”

The Hon. Scott Morrison MP
Former Prime Minister

“We have worked closely together to keep the sector going under the most trying circumstances imaginable. And as your pre-budget submission highlights you are facing fronts on many of the big forces shaping our economy.”

We must solve the housing crisis

The housing crisis is the number one specific election issue that voters expect to be solved this election.

We are not building enough homes in Australia to give people the choice to either own or rent a home or have access to emergency accommodation.

This lack of housing supply is leading to rising rents, homelessness, and higher mortgages, which negatively impacts the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

What kind of Australia are we building if we can’t even provide adequate housing options for people now?

Independent research by Insightfully found 1 in 4 say housing is the most important issue for them and 7 in 10 Australians say the Federal Government has not done enough.

Sign our petition to call on the next Federal Government to play their part in solving the housing crisis and make sure we bring down inflation, train more tradies, fix damaging industrial relations changes, remove red tape, and help states with planning reforms and building critical infrastructure.

Building and construction is the ‘heart and soul’ of the Australian economy

200,000
Consists of 449,162 business entities which over 98% are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
0.25
m
Employs around 1.37 million people accounting for almost 10% of all jobs in Australia.
0
%
Accounts for almost one half of the economy’s trade apprentices, 114,234 of which are employed in the construction industry.
0
x3
Every $1 million worth of building activity supports around $3 million in activity across the economy.
0
% GDP
Directly creates 11.0% of GDP, the fifth-largest sector within the economy.
0
b
Performs $289 billion worth of building and construction work each year.

Giving a voice to all members of the building and construction industry.

Building and construction is Australia’s second largest industry and third largest employer. Whether you’re an independent contractor or a large employer, Master Builders Australia is your voice for a fairer, more productive and safer industry.

Through our advocacy work we’re focused on ensuring your business isn’t overburdened by unnecessary red tape, that the industry receives the investment and support it needs from the government, and that safety and long-term job security is always prioritised.

Expert opinions and the newsroom

Clear Filters
Response to Murray Review a step in the right direction
Construction workers_1
Response to Murray Review a step in the right direction
Media Release
March 14, 2025
Response to Murray Review a step in the right direction

Peak building and construction industry association Master Builders Australia says that the Federal Government’s response to the Murray Review is…

Read More
Much needed housing approvals uplift
An apartment block by the Parramatta River at Meadowbank in Sydney, Australia
Much needed housing approvals uplift
Media Release
March 6, 2025
Much needed housing approvals uplift

In some positive news for the building and construction industry, new home building approvals are at their highest level since…

Read More
Press Conference: Federal Campaign Launch
150A2842
Press Conference: Federal Campaign Launch
Transcript
February 28, 2025
Press Conference: Federal Campaign Launch

Event: Federal Election campaign launch; Sydney Date: 28 February 2025, 10:30am AEDT Speakers: Denita Wawn, CEO Master Builders Australia; Joey & Alice Pamment,…

Read More