Ai Group calls for Government to review WorkCover's approach to workplace safety

In a submission to the State Government regarding the OH&S Workplace Fatalities Bill 2004, Ai Group argues WorkCover's role has moved too far from regulator to policeman.

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  Master Builders Appoints New Chief Economist

Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Peter Jones as Chief Economist.

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 Home Lending Suggests Moderate Recovery Ahead

The rise in home lending in December reinforces evidence that the moderate cyclical downturn that took place throughout 2004 may have run its course, and that a modest recovery may occur in the year, according to peak building and construction industry organisation, Master Builders Australia.

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  Construction Still Slowing Despite Overall Rise in Lending

Total lending continues to recover modestly, but clear indications of a slowdown in construction are also still coming through, highlighting the need to keep interest rates on hold.

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  Lending Remains Well Off 2003 Peaks

Demand among Australia's property investors mounted a recovery at the end of last year, but lending for residential investment is still significantly down on the peaks of 2003.

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  Around 500 Walter Contstruction employees to lose jobs

About 500 employees of collapsed building giant Walter Construction Group will be without a job from Friday after the company's administrators announced they were "hopelessly insolvent" with debts of at least $100 million.

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Building giant downfall like Ansett: union

A union has said that the downfall of Walter Construction Group has been likened to that of the collapse of Ansett Airlines and that some workers may never receive their entitlements.
The company was Australias 18th largest commercial builder with more that 300 workers being retrenched and the company then being handed over to administrators, KordaMentha.
The Company went into administration after its German parent company Walter Bau AG filed for insolvency over credit problems. The company faces debts of at least $100 million. (SMH 11/2/05)