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6 October 2026
Master Builders Australia has welcomed the Coalition’s commitment to prioritise construction skills and address workforce shortages through its proposed migration reforms.
Regarding the numbers, CEO Denita Wawn reiterated that policies must ensure we have the skilled workers we need through both domestic and international pathways.
“Housing targets, Olympic infrastructure and major projects all depend on having enough skilled workers to get the job done. Right now, we don’t have enough, and the workforce challenge is only getting worse. Master Builders’ Workforce Blueprint projects a shortage of more than 900,000 workers by 2035.
“The Coalition’s focus on skills is welcome. However, it will be crucial that the aggregate migration numbers align with that focus and need.
“We also welcome the commitment to clear the backlog of skilled construction visa applications and address regional workforce needs.
“The proposal to link migration settings to specific projects is a worthy concept, and builders look forward to seeing further detail. The sector has long argued migration settings should better reflect workforce demand,” said Ms Wawn.
“We do have some reservations about the impact a reduction in temporary visas could have on the availability of non-skilled workers in the construction sector, and we will be assessing those implications closely.”
Master Builders said there is now bipartisan recognition of the need to prioritise construction. The real test will be whether these commitments translate into more skilled construction workers on the ground.
Media contact: Dylan Hafey, Adviser, Media & Government Relations
0497 330 064 | dylan.hafey@masterbuilders.com.au