The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

Industry News

HIA has announced the appointment of its new national Vice President, Ms Debbie Johnson. Debbie is the second female to be elected to this position.

Debbie is a highly experienced and regarded building designer and builder based in Queensland bringing a strong portfolio of skills to the role having run her business for 35 years and being involved in a diverse range of industry and government boards throughout her career.

Debbie was appointed as the Queensland Regional President in 2013 and to the National Board in 2017.&nbsp;

Debbie was integral in the establishment of HIA&rsquo;s Building Women awards in Queensland which will celebrate their 7th annual event later this year. She supported the expansion of the program nationally and has shared her career journey speaking at many regional Building Women events over the last five years.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94542 project_image_fid=160734]

Ms Johnson has expressed her desire to carry on the good work of her predecessors and represent the HIA core values.

&ldquo;I am proud to be a HIA member and will always promote the Housing Industry Association at every level,&quot;&nbsp;said Ms Johnson.

&ldquo;I want Australians to have confidence in our industry, in the products and materials we use and the homes we deliver every day for thousands of families. The industry is proud of our knowledge, experience and our skills and the Association will continue to work hard to develop the next generation of building professionals,&rdquo; she concluded.

HIA has announced the appointment of its new national Vice President, Ms Debbie Johnson

jordan_55689

HIA appoint new national Vice President

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Harcourts’ latest addition, Harcourts Carlingford, was opened last week by owner Andrew Magro.
Magro, who has been working in the Carlingford area for 14 years, said that it’s nice to be known locally and expressed his enjoyment with the area where he started out putting up for sale signs, making coffee and answering the phones.
“I basically watched and learnt from my peers, I immediately grew a strong interest and passion for the real estate industry and I knew then I wanted to be the best at what I do and thrive on customer satisfaction,” he said.
“Real estate isn’t only about making a sale, it’s about building relationships with people which I love to do,” said Magro.
Joining Harcourts Group Australia due to a desire to own his real estate office, he chose the brand after having been involved with Harcourts Hills Living when looking to buy a property.
“I immediately fell in love with the Harcourts system, their operations and most of all, the blue stripes,” he said.
“My motivation was real estate agent, Jamie Benjamin and his performance, not only selling properties but in the way it was actually performed.”
He also aligns with the ‘Harcourts values’, putting people first and giving them the time they need, which he intends to continue at his new 5/326 Pennant Hills Road office.
“I believe the difference I have to offer is quality of service, not quantity. People deserve nothing but the best of service, all the time,” he said.
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New agency Harcourts Carlingford launched 

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Australian proptech startup :Different has appointed real estate veteran, Kasey McDonald as its first Head of Leasing.
McDonald, who has spent two decades in the real estate industry, will be tasked with bringing the operations team and departments together to provide positive experiences for property owners and renters.
Founded in 2017, the proptech firm now manages over $1 billion worth of properties across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The full-service property management startup automates the everyday tasks of a property manager.
It allows property owners to pay a fixed fee of $100 per month instead of a percentage based on the rental price of the property.
McDonald's appointment follows a strong period of growth for :Different, who closed its third funding round earlier this year.
It raised $7.1 million to support its growth plans to expand to Perth, Canberra and beyond.
“I bought my first property at 18, and started as a property manager two decades ago, so I’ve had the experience of being on both sides of the fence”, McDonald said.
She hopes that this will help her in streamlining the way :Different’s property managers work.
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:Different appoints its first head of leasing

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Australian architecture firm Billard Leece Partnership has announced a new leadership team as part of an executive restructure developed by the board.
The new team will feature 12 principals and 11 associates with Tara Veldman appointed as managing director.
Veldman established BLP’s Sydney office over a decade ago, building the studio to 70 staff with a range of health, schools and tertiary projects.
In her new position, Veldman hopes that she can assist BLP on shaping the future of Australian social infrastructure.
“We design for a healthy world. We are focused on re-envisaging hospitals, health hubs, education precincts, high tech research labs, residential communities and continuing to pioneer new ways of working”, she said.
BLP has been operating for 25 years, now with a 130-strong team with offices in Melbourne and Sydney.
The company’s board sees Ron Billard, Mark Mitchell and Adam Muggleton joining Veldman, with non-executive directors, Tim Shannon and David Tregoning.
The leading architecture firm has delivered many award-winning projects, including the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, the University of Sydney Health Precinct and the Hong Kong’s Children’s Hospital.
Their projects are now valued up to $2 billion and is currently engaged in the planning of the Children’s Hospital Westmead and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick projects.
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Billard Leece Partnership announces new leadership team

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Restaurant &amp; Catering Australia welcomed Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement that regional Victoria will be able to move to step 3 of the roadmap.
From 11.59PM on Wednesday, September 16, hospitality businesses in regional Victoria were able to serve patrons outdoors, with a cap of 50 seated patrons per venue.
An updated ‘two square metre’ density limit will be put into place.
Under the new guidelines, venues can open with a cap of 10 seated customers per space – with up to two spaces per venue – and in line with the existing ‘four square metre’ density rule.
The announcement was welcome news for regional Victorian businesses, according to R&amp;CA CEO Wes Lambert.
“This is undoubtedly welcome news to the thousands of regional Victorian hospitality businesses who have been under strict lockdowns despite the fact that case numbers have been virtually at zero”, he said.
However, Lambert noted that more is needed to help businesses across Greater Melbourne, who will be subject to strict lockdowns until at least the end of November.
“R&amp;CA will continue to lobby the Andrews Government and the DHHS for indoor dining to be allowed under step 3 rather than outdoor only,” he said.
The industry association believes that allowing limited indoor dining earlier, as has been done for regional Victoria, will save thousands of businesses and jobs across Melbourne. 
R&amp;CA presents the interests of over 45,000 restaurants, cafes and catering businesses in Australia, with the aim of ensuring owners and operators within the hospitality industry remain profitable and sustainable. 
“While support for our sector is welcome, there is only one way to truly support our sector – and that is to get us open sooner”, Lambert said.  
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The hospitality industry welcomes regional Victoria's reopening

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The federal government’s HomeBuilder program is protecting tradies’ jobs.
A recovery in the number of slabs being poured will be seen as early as the December quarter, says HIA chief economist Tim Reardon.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ lending indicators in July showed dwelling finance commitments for owner occupiers had its strongest monthly growth since January 2009, rising by 9.7 per cent.
This is also the largest month-on-month rise in the history of the series.
According to the Housing Institute of Australia, the number of loans issued for the purchase of residential land has also swelled, with a 30 per cent increase for the second month in a row.
“This will protect employment in the residential building industry and across the economy into 2021”, Reardon said.
Figures from September 9 show loan approvals have risen 12 per cent – 6.3 per cent higher than a year ago.
There had been an “encouraging sign” that HomeBuilder is helping strengthen sentiment even in areas is doesn’t directly target, said Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn.
The recent figures display “the highly effective impact of HomeBuilder in activating demand”, she said.
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HomeBuilder protects tradies' jobs

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Andrew Bell’s Ray White Surfers Paradise Group scored another win at this year’s annual Ray White Queensland awards.
The awards, which saw 1,200 Ray White members online, was held over Zoom this year presented by chairman Brian White, Emily Sim, Tim Snell and Dan White.
For the 28th year in a row, Bell’s group was named the top selling office in Queensland.
There had been a strong challenge from the New Farm office.
The Surfers Paradise CEO said he was “surprised” to receive the award after a challenging year that shook the real estate industry.
“I have never been more surprised by this award than I was this year. I was quite shocked because we had the most challenging year for our office on many fronts. But what the award reminds me of is how blessed we are to have the amazing team and the culture that we have created in our business," Bell said. 
Bell’s office also won the community contribution award for their muscular dystrophy fundraiser, a cause that he’s supported for over 25 years.
The Surfers Paradise office was the most successful Queensland office by way of revenue in the residential division, recognising the group as the best property management business of the year.
“There was immense love shown last night from our team. The team felt rewarded for digging deep and doing what we do best every single day”, Bell said.
Ray White Queensland conducted 41 per cent (up from 33 per cent the year before) of all the auctions held in Queensland - including conducting over 66 per cent of all auctions in the Brisbane city area. 
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Andrew Bell's Ray White Surfers Paradise Group top selling office in Queensland for 28th year in a row

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EXPERT OBSERVATION 
As the Australian government looks to respond to the current global financial uncertainty and identify appropriate policies and stimulus measures to enact, the residential building industry should be one of the most supported. 
The residential building industry has a strong track record of underpinning Australia’s economic growth and stability.
Australia is emerging from a residential building downturn and in the face of the coronavirus shock, stability and clear direction to ensure the housing market does not take a backwards step is essential. 
The construction industry employs over 1.1 million people, with residential building work generating over $105 billion for the Australian economy in 2018 and accounting for 5.8 per cent of expenditure in the Australian economy. 
HIA encourages the state and federal governments to work together in this difficult time to provide policies that will stimulate the residential building sector. 
Residential building stimulus was a key element in the response to the 2009 global financial crisis and the results then were very positive. 
Residential building activity also supports a range of other industries important to our economy, like building product manufacturing, to remain stable. 
Trade skills and training has been suffering from a pronounced gap in funding and government support for some time. It is vital that apprentices are supported. Uncertain times can make it difficult for apprentices to find work or to continue their training. It is important to avoid creating a gap in industry training. 
Maintaining a strong residential building workforce must be a goal. Any stimulus aimed at the residential building sector should focus on ensuring the current workforce remain on task and ensuring young people see the opportunity to move into a career in building and take up new apprenticeships. 
Supporting stable residential building activity over the next few years as circumstances change can help underpin both industry confidence and consumer confidence.
 
KRISTIN BROOKFIELD is the Chief Executive Industry Policy at HIA
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Industry stability a key to riding economic waves; Kristin Brookfield 

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HIA has asked the Fair Work Commission to consider changes to the Building and Construction General Onsite Award that help employers and employees in the residential building industry stay connected despite the impacts of COVID-19.
Home builders and trade contractors are feeling the impacts of COVID-19 in their business every day.
They want to keep their staff and keep them employed despite the decline in home building activity as a result of COVID-19. The current Onsite Award that applies to our industry simply does not give both sides the necessary flexibility to do this.
Last month, 99 modern awards were changed to address COVID-19 impacts but building and construction was left off the list.
The changes we have put forward largely reflect the changes to workplace arrangements available to employers covered by those 99 modern awards and employers eligible for JobKeeper Payments.
The application would also help those employers who remain ineligible for JobKeeper the same flexibility as other businesses. The proposals also address the need for building businesses to comply with COVID health and hygiene requirements by recognizing that extra time during the work day may be needed to carry out building work.
It is important that everyone on construction sites can prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Offering greater options in the Award regarding, for example start and finish times, would support businesses appropriately schedule their work while still being able to get the job done.
The Prime Minister’s comments this week regarding the need to realign our current industrial relations system and support job creation are consistent with this application.
A positive response from the Commission, combined with further advice from Treasury to address the unique situation home builders face under the JobKeeper arrangements, would be a welcome outcome.
With up to half a million jobs at risk in the residential building industry keeping employees connected with their workplaces and keeping businesses in business must be a priority. Any measures that can help facilitate this are now critical.
MELISSA ADLER HIA Executive Director - Industrial Relations.
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HIA seeks changes to housing industry awards and wages

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IWG, a provider of flexible workspaces, has announced a new appointment to its Australian franchise team as it continues to grow its newly launched franchise program in Australia.
Mark Bhardwaj has been named Head of Partnership Growth in Australia to help deliver IWG’s ambitious growth strategy, by driving the local franchise offering which allows Australian franchise operators to enter the booming workspace industry. 
His role will involve further extending the local delivery of IWG’s franchise business model, to accelerate national growth with franchise partners around Australia. 
Mr Bhardwaj has almost 20 years of experience across franchise, business development and financial services. Previous positions include Head of Franchise Development at Volkswagen Group Australia, Head of Sales and Operations at ŠKODA Auto Australia, and both General Manager of Business Development and National Franchise Development Manager at Ateco Group Australia. 
Mark will report into Head of Partnership Growth in Asia Pacific, Matthew James Kenley, who is leading the business’ drive to grow its franchise offering across the region. 
“The demand for flexible workspace is growing exponentially across the world, including in Australia. By 2030, it is predicted that up to 30% of all commercial real estate will be flexible workspace, while flexible working is estimated to increase the total economic output in Australia by an estimated $122 billion,” said Damien Sheehan, the Country Head of IWG Australia. 
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