Streets behind: every state lagging on housing targets
Australia is targeting 1.2 million new homes by 2029, but a major construction body says only significant reform can overcome a huge shortfall.
construction and property
Three open police investigations over CFMEU allegations
A former union leader won't face charges over visits to government building sites, although Victoria Police is considering charges over alleged CFMEU fraud.
Calls to come under one roof to tackle housing crisis
The number of Australian renters is set to grow as available homes dwindle and prices soar, prompting calls for the government to come together on solutions.
Construction boss guilty of $10m fraud in marathon case
A Sydney construction boss and four others have been found guilty of a conspiracy to defraud the tax office of more than $10 million over two years.
Jury mulls $13m tax fraud after crime proceeds verdicts
A jury is still grappling with conspiracy charges in a $13 million tax fraud despite finding a construction boss and others guilty of dealing with dirty money.
Warning for national housing target after approval data
Peak construction bodies have warned that a boost in building approvals in July was not enough to hit the national target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029.
Economy ‘nowhere near recessionary’ despite predictions
Australia's economic forecasts might not be as positive as hoped but there are still signs of strength in the economy, an expert says.
CFMEU is down but the court battle may be just starting
A possible court challenge could threaten the government's attempt to tackle the CFMEU's alleged corrupt behaviour and criminal links.
‘Dangerous’ building cladding used despite fire risks
Building owners are seeking millions in damages over combustible cladding that could rain flaming debris on those below, like during the Grenfell Tower blaze.
Construction workers plan protests over takeover move
Unions are set to hold protests as a legal battle looms over the government placing the CFMEU's construction arm and associated branches into administration.
Class action seeks ‘fullest relief’ over dodgy cladding
A group of building owners has asked a judge for the maximum relief possible after spending millions replacing combustible cladding that caused a fire risk.
CFMEU legal luck questioned as blue-collar anger boils
More than 50,000 angry protesters rallied against the construction union being put into administration but its chance of winning a legal fight is questionable.
‘Negligent villains’ blamed for cladding fire risk
A combustible cladding manufacturer has defended its product in court, saying misuse by negligent building professionals created an increased fire risk.
Hey big spender: home prices soar in Olympics host city
The launch of an eye-watering penthouse development targeting ultra-wealthy buyers is a sign of the times in one of Australia's hottest real estate markets.
Lendlease’s losses deepen after tough year in property
Lendlease has extended its bottom line losses to more than $1 billion after taking a hit in a tough market as charges related to its new strategy took a toll.
BlueScope backs Port Kembla steelworkers amid downturn
A major steelmaker warns of tough conditions as it braces for rising electricity, gas and labour costs amid a stubbornly soft home building market.
Crack down on construction union clears final hurdle
The CFMEU has signalled it could challenge new laws forcing it into administration for at least three years, as parliament agreed to pass the reforms.
Building costs in the frame for ongoing housing crisis
The Reserve Bank says it is closely monitoring the housing shortage, but dismisses reports a construction union is to blame for escalating costs.
Property market picking up in smaller capital cities
REA Group's CEO says property listings in Melbourne and Sydney might marginally decline in 2024/25, but Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are showing growth.
Property giant Mirvac warns of ‘challenging’ conditions
Mirvac is investing in build-to-rent apartments and industrial sites as it slashes the value of high-rise offices and warns of ongoing challenging conditions.
Fight against ‘disgraceful’ accessible housing standard
Living in a home built with accessibility in mind is a dream Julie Charlton and others with disabilities like her want to be made a national reality.
construction and property
consumer confidence
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
inflation and deflation
retail
Relief in sight as rates focus switches to cuts
Mortgage-holders appear to have avoided another interest rate hike, in a welcome development for the federal government with an election on the horizon.
Doubt cast over plan to convert CBD offices into homes
The cost of retrofitting under-used Melbourne CBD offices into residential apartments is proving an obstacle to a key housing policy getting off the ground.
Building ‘black hole’ link to scared horses, jockey ban
Horse racing at Queensland's biggest track is at a standstill after jockeys refused to ride, claiming a nearby construction site is spooking the animals.
‘No secrets’: CFMEU ‘bikie-fication’ dates back decades
Political leaders have expressed shock at revelations of bikie links within the CFMEU but they were a matter of public record long before the latest reports.
Ex-minister defends Labor on CFMEU as union heads roll
Labor heavyweight Craig Emerson has distanced the party from allegations of criminality within the CFMEU, suggesting it won't cause significant voter backlash.
Qld freezes talks with union as Vic allegations unfold
No further meetings will proceed between the construction union and Queensland's Labor government while serious allegations develop interstate.
Cheaper materials take edge off home-building costs
Residential construction costs have finally stabilised after a prolonged period of strong price growth put pressure on the industry.
Albanese condemns Setka amid fresh union allegations
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has fired a parting shot at controversial Victorian construction union boss John Setka following his sudden resignation.
Call for union probe as PM fires parting shot at Setka
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the departure of construction union boss John Setka as the Victorian opposition calls for an independent probe.
Controversial union boss John Setka suddenly quits
Union heavyweight John Setka has suddenly quit the CFMEU's top role citing "malicious attacks" and "ongoing false allegations" in stories.