John Durie: As the price of steel rises 10%, tradies are at the mercy of a Bluescope monopoly
In markets where there is competition, there is some check on price rises. But where there is none, it’s a free run for monopolists like Bluescope.
“Thousands” of SMEs left in the lurch as Probuild collapses with $5 billion in outstanding projects
Probuild has gone into voluntary administration after a problem-laden high-rise project drove it into debt, placing up to $5 billion in commercial and public sector projects in jeopardy.
John Durie: Construction union’s power games leave subcontractors by the wayside
Big companies love less competition because it gives you more pricing power. Big unions play exactly the same game, leaving many suppliers by the wayside.
Liquidation of collapsed developer Privium could ‘recover’ money for hundreds of creditors
The administrators of collapsed Queensland building developer Privium Group are calling for its liquidation, finding the group likely traded insolvent between August and November.
New quotas are another step towards inclusive employment in the construction industry
Despite more women enrolled in construction and trade courses, there remains a significant gap between those graduating and those who land roles and remain in the industry.
Analysis: Why construction in Australia is declining despite a strong demand for housing
Data from the ABS reveals that the centuries-long upwards slope of construction volumes in Australia dramatically reversed in 2015.
Queensland building group Privium collapses leaving hundreds of subbies out of pocket
Queensland building group Privium has collapsed into administration, leaving subcontractors across Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales in the dark about the future of hundreds of projects.
Inflation jumps on housing and fuel, pushing builders to lift rates
Small business owners in the construction industry have been left with no choice but to lift their rates as the rising cost of timber squeezes margins.
Revealed: The sectors and regions where businesses are most at risk of collapse
The Gold Coast and Western Sydney have topped the rankings for Australian regions where small businesses have the highest chance of default.
Does the punishment fit the crime? Five major implications of shutting down the entire construction industry
Leonie Akhidenor acknowledges the fortune of the construction sector, but says shutting down an entire industry overnight feels drastic. Here's why.
Tradies face temporary cash flow crisis as industry shutdown in Victoria continues
Tradies and subcontractors in parts of Victoria are facing a temporary cashflow crisis as the two-week ban on construction work continues to wipe out activity in the industry.
Victorian construction protests and shutdown “cause chaos” for small businesses
The two-week shutdown of construction sites in parts of Victoria is causing “chaos” and frustration for small business owners.
