Close

Member Login

Interest rates hit all-time low - 4 June 2019

The Reserve Bank cut interest rates from 1.5 per cent to 1.25 per cent this week, which brings the official cash rate to a new record low. The move was widely predicted, including in previous editions of Express, and it marks the end of the longest-ever period without a change in the interest rate - almost three years, from August 2016 to May 2019. The Reserve Bank has cut rates 12 times since the end of 2011 and we have not seen an increase since late 2010.

WA talent rounds out Morrison’s inner circle - 28 May 2019

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s new Federal Cabinet includes Christian Porter as the Industrial Relations Minister while also retaining his Attorney General role. Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar will be responsible for the housing portfolio. Master Builders fought hard at the election on housing tax and the need to keep the ABCC to stop construction union bullying and we appreciate the PM’s support on both. We also welcome the strong line-up of West Australians in the new ministry, including Mr Porter, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, Employment Skills, Small and Family Business Minister Michaelia Cash, Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Assistant Minister for Regional Development Nola Marino.

Election results - 23 May 2019

It was pleasing to see housing become a hot topic in the Federal election campaign, with both major political parties promising support for first home buyers. Our nationwide Strong Building Strong Economy campaign successfully championed policies such as retaining the Australian Building and Construction Commission, keeping negative gearing, supporting small businesses and boosting jobs. The negative gearing message resonated strongly with many people in the wider community

Federal help for first home buyers - 16 May 2019

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a new First Home Loan Deposit Scheme. The scheme will allow eligible home buyers to pay a deposit as low as 5 per cent and avoid mortgage insurance, with the government guaranteeing a further 15 per cent to reach the industry standard of 20 per cent of the property purchase price. The ALP was quick to respond, saying they would introduce a similar scheme based on WA’s Keystart program. These policies are strongly supported by Master Builders.

East Perth redevelopment - 9 May 2019

News that the State Government is setting aside $30million for work on the East Perth Power Station in preparation for redevelopment has been welcomed by Master Builders. The site works will allow development plans to move forward and lead to more activity in the building sector.

Lunch with the Premier and Treasurer - 9 May 2019

Master Builders hosted Premier Mark McGowan and Treasurer Ben Wyatt on Friday for a boardroom lunch and discussion about Keystart, urban infill, the economy, building stimulus and major infrastructure projects such as Metronet, the WA Museum and Ocean Reef marina. It was a constructive discussion and we are adopting a solutions-based approach in our relationship with the State Government.

Budget boost for builders - 2 May 2019

The State Government has announced Budget support for builders this week after months of advocacy by Master Builders. Keystart income limits will rise by $15,000 for singles and couples and by $20,000 for families, opening the way for more West Australians to buy or build a home. This is great news for our industry because in 2017-18, Keystart approved a total of 2,789 loans and 2,169 were for new builds.

Inflation drops - 2 May 2019

In some economic news, Australia’s inflation rate declined to 1.3 per cent during the March 2019 quarter according to recent Australian Bureau of Statistics results. There is now an even greater likelihood that the Reserve Bank of Australia will cut its key interest rate over coming months given the absence of inflationary dangers and the need to boost economic growth.

Skills for the future - 18 April 2019

The Federal Government has released its Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow package in response to the Joyce review into vocational education. The review makes 71 recommendations around the six points of strengthening quality assurance, speeding up qualification development, simpler funding and skills matching, better careers information, clearer secondary school pathways and greater access for disadvantaged Australians.

National election campaign launch - 11 April 2019

Master Builders’ federal election campaign was launched this week with a press conference held at a PACT construction site. Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn and President Hedley Davis flew to Perth to join WA Executive Director John Gelavis in presenting the Strong Building Strong Economy message. Advertisements running across the country promote our support for the Australian Building and Construction Commission and our opposition to changes in negative gearing rules or increases to capital gains tax.

Priority Start Policy - 4 April 2019

Training Minister Sue Ellery this week announced the Priority Start Policy, which took effect on April 1. It requires industry to invest in apprentices by meeting a target training rate on all State Government building and maintenance contracts valued over $5million. Master Builders supports the aim to ensure a long-term supply of skilled workers. However, it’s difficult for builders to take on apprentices when work levels are down and the market is tough.

Master Builders keeps pressure on government for stimulus - 28 March 2019

Following the recent meeting with Ben Wyatt, Executive Director John Gelavis and Housing Director Jason Robertson met with Housing Minister Peter Tinley yesterday to push for greater support for first home buyers and the residential building industry. Master Builders is keeping up momentum on the campaign for an increase to the First Home Owner’s Grant, Keystart income limits and the stamp duty threshold.

Master Builders keeps up the fight for government stimulus - 14 March 2019

A group of residential builders lead by Master Builders senior executives met with Treasurer Ben Wyatt last week to push for greater support for first home buyers and the residential building industry. Master Builders is leading a campaign for an increase to the First Home Owner Grant, wider Keystart income limits and a rise in the stamp duty threshold. The discussion was encouraging and further updates will follow.

Housing talks with Treasurer Ben Wyatt - 7 March 2019

Executive Director John Gelavis met with Treasurer Ben Wyatt recently to discuss stimuli for the housing market. This meeting involved the owners of WA residential building companies and Master Builders President Jason Kunkler. Master Builders has been leading the push for wider Keystart income limits, the First Home Owner Boost and raising the stamp duty threshold for first home buyers.

Diploma of Building and Construction - 20 June 2019

Book Here

Looking to take the next step in your career? Enrol in the upcoming Busselton intake for CPC50210 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building).

Great Southern Awards - Entries close - 21 June 2019

Book Here

Have you built an outstanding project? Enter it into the Master Builders-Bankwest Great Southern Building Excellence Awards.

APPRENTICE ENTRIES CLOSE - 28 JUNE 2019

Book Here

Do you know an outstanding apprentice? Entries are open for the 2019 Apprentice of the Year Awards.

GERALDTON MID WEST AWARDS - ENTRIES CLOSE 26 JULY 2019

Book Here

Entries are open for the 2019 Master Builders-Bankwest Building Excellence Awards for the Geraldton Mid West region.

GET YOUR NOMINATIONS IN - 16 August 2019

Book Here

Nominate a young high achiever in the industry for either the Ric New Medal for Excellence (35 years and under) or the Ric New Rising Star Award (up to 25 years).

PAY YOUR MEMBERSHIP HERE