• 18 October 2026 · Industry trends

  Unemployment Is Rising but Tradies Are Still Short: What It Means for Builders' Labour in 2026

  Unemployment rose to 4.7% in September, yet Master Builders says construction is still 141,000 skilled workers short. Here's what that means for builders in VIC, QLD and NSW, and how to plan crews now.

• 14 October 2026 · Industry trends

  Queensland's Building Boom Meets a Labour Squeeze: What It Means for Builders in 2026

  Queensland home starts hit a ten-year high of 44,592 in 2025–26, while CSQ forecasts a construction workforce gap of about 35,000 by 2027–28. Here's how builders should plan crews now.

• 14 October 2026 · Industry trends

  HIA Says Home Building Is 83,000 Tradies Short: What It Means for Builders' Labour in 2026

  HIA estimates residential building is short around 83,000 skilled workers as QLD, VIC and NSW pipelines grow. Here's what it means for your crews and what to do now.

• 11 October 2026 · Industry trends

  Housing Accord 94,980 Homes Behind Target: What It Means for Builders' Labour in 2026

  HIA says Australia is 94,980 homes behind the Housing Accord pace while 248,733 dwellings are under construction, so here's how builders in VIC, QLD and NSW should plan labour now.

• 7 October 2026 · Industry trends

  House Approvals Hit a Five-Year High: What It Means for Builders' Labour Needs in 2026–27

  New house approvals reached 11,040 in August 2026, a five-year high led by NSW, Queensland and Victoria, so builders should plan crews early.

• 6 October 2026 · Industry trends

  Master Builders cuts construction forecasts: what it means for your labour plans

  Home starts forecast down 8.4% to 2030–31 while civil and non-residential work holds up, and the industry is still 141,000 workers short.

• 6 October 2026 · Rates & costs

  How much does labour hire cost per hour in Australia? (2026 rates)

  General labourers from $55–$60/hr + GST, with skilled and trade workers at $65–$90. Here's what's included and what changed on 1 July 2026.