Housing Remains Resilient

Master Builders Australia, the peak building and construction industry association, said the small rise in commencements in the June quarter 2004 should not be interpreted as the start of a new upward trend.

More Information >>

Consumers still scramble for slice of housing market, as loans hold firm

Today's housing finance data, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, sends a message that consumers have not lost interest in the housing sector, according to Brian Welch, executive director of the Master Builders Association of Victoria.

More Information >>

Asbestos victims ambush James Hardie Sydney office

Asbestos victims and construction workers Friday ambushed James Hardie's offices in an attempt to force the building products company to meet its responsibilities.

More Information >>

A Helping Hand With Property Depreciation

"The (AIQS) is pleased to announce the launch of its Property Depreciation Handbook.  With the current activities of the ATO in reviewing property depreciation across a wide range of property asset classes, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) has taken the initiative to assist its members, property investors and others with the publication of a comprehensive Handbook on the topic.

More Information >>

Temporary Local Planning Instrument outcome unacceptable

The Property Council of Australia has expressed extreme disappointment with Civic Cabinet's decision this week to proceed with the Temporary Local Planning Instrument, following seven days of industry consultation.

More Information >>

Inspectors admit taking gifts

Two building licence inspectors have admitted receiving gifts from people applying for licences in the industry, which included accepting $2500 cash. One of the assessors, Robert Taylor, also told the Independent Commission Against Corruption that he had received kickbacks from Quatra Consultancy Group, an industry training company. Mal Mallinson, a part-time assessor admitted to receiving a TV set from, an interpreter used by Quatra. (SMH, 17/09/2004)

Risk reverse for home builders

A group of 3 ex builders are taking on established warranty schemes with a new kind of home builders insurance.Builders Mike Norris, Ken Lucas and Tim O'Callaghan were forced to put down the tools of their trade after the turmoil that followed the HIH insurance collapse. After this they began a new career creating a builders warranty scheme that challenges some of the traditional concepts of the building industry. Their new business, Building Ethics Australia, is going head to head with established warranty schemes by applying unfamiliar risk management techniques to builders to minimise potential losses. Instead of builders committing their assets, they must put their reputations on the line and submit their work to a system of rigid inspection and a strict regime of defect rectification that goes beyond the standard checks required under state planning laws and locally administered building regulations. (AGE, 18/09/2004)