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2 September 2026
Today’s ABS Australian National Accounts data revealed that GDP rose by 0.4 per cent during the June 2026 quarter, while productivity across the economy remained flat.
The release also reported that “construction continued to experience price rises due to ongoing competition for limited resources in both labour and materials.”
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the findings reflect what builders have been consistently telling Government.
“The industry has seen labour shortages blowout and costs continue to escalate, rising by more than 50 per cent compared with just before the pandemic. The Federal Government needs to take action and swiftly implement the policy settings the sector has been calling for.
“Building materials inflation is now at a three-year high. Action is required to support local manufacturing by addressing domestic input costs, as well as removing unnecessary barriers to the supply of high-quality, compliant building products and materials from overseas.
“When it comes to workforce shortages, our skilled migration system is broken and not delivering the workers we need, while apprenticeship numbers have fallen to a five-year low. Frustration with the current environment has been compounded by measures in the Federal Budget that actually cut apprenticeship funding.
“It is time for the Federal Government to listen and implement positive policy settings, not continue to introduce policies that make these challenges harder to solve. Demand for new housing and construction remains strong, but the industry’s capacity to deliver is being stifled.
“Without action, pressure will continue to build on builders, homeowners and renters alike.”
Media contact: Dylan Hafey, Adviser, Media & Government Relations
0497 330 064 | dylan.hafey@masterbuilders.com.au