Name change for BHP Steel
BHP Steel has changed its name to BlueScope Steel Limited. (ASX Release 17/11/03). More information >>

MBA National Building & Construction Awards
The 2003 National Building & Construction Awards have been presented by the Master Builders Association. (SMH 12/11/03). The National Residential Builder of the Year was won jointly by Scott Salisbury of South Australia, and Better Building Services of the ACT. Multiplex Constructions in Western Australia is National Commercial Builder of the Year. More information >>

Building problems compensated
In 2002-03, almost 1,400 new compensation claims were made against builders in Queensland with home owners complaining that houses were unfinished, defective, or had subsided. The majority of compensation payments made were for defective work, with most problems related to internal floor tiling and plasterboard waterproofing in shower recesses. (Herald Sun 17/11/03). Meanwhile in Victoria, formal complaints to the Building Commission rose by 25% to 536 last year with 15,000 inquiries being made about building problems. (Geelong Advertiser 12/11/03).

Architects’ salaries
Despite an expected increase of employment of architects by architecture firms in the next six months, the increase in work has not led to a significant rise in salaries according to industry commentators. Top architects with Australia’s leading firms can expect salaries of up to $200,000 a year, with only about 100 salaried architects expected to earn $150,000 or above. (AFR 12/11/03).

New gypsum panel
USG has developed Fiberock® Brand Aqua-Tough™, an interior gypsum panel that resists mildew, moisture and abuse. The panels are designed for wall assemblies in high traffic areas, are made from 95% recycled materials, and are fire resistant. (ENR 17/11/03). More information >>

NSW Building Legislation Amendment (Quality of Construction) Act
New South Wales has introduced the Building Legislation Amendment (Quality of Construction) Act 2002. Under the Act, corrupt private building certifiers will be subjected to fines or jail, and builders can no longer appoint their own certifiers. The NSW Government will establish a Building Professionals Board to replace the former Building Services and Allied Professionals Accreditation Board. (AFR 14/11/03).
More information >>

Shortage of building workers
According to the Housing Industry Association, there is a shortage of building workers in all trades in Queensland, of plasterers and bricklayers in Victoria, and of wall and floor tilers and carpenters in NSW. During the past 12 months, wages in the housing sector rose by about 11% with wages for tradespeople ranging from $35 to $50 an hour. (AFR 12/11/03).