Home building costs in Australia have skyrocketed in recent years, posing substantial challenges for homeowners, builders, and suppliers. From material shortages to prolonged completion times, the industry is grappling with issues that affect budgets and timelines. Adding to the pressure, Australian governments have pledged to build 1.2 million homes by mid-2029, under the National Housing Accord — […]
Construction workers are no strangers to long hours and tight deadlines. Researchers from the University of Technology have crunched the numbers: The pressure is immense to deliver on Australia’s $230 billion infrastructure pipeline and 1.2 million new homes. Could a mandatory five-day workweek improve work-life balance and make the industry more attractive to a diverse range of […]
Fewer than half of Australian workers said their employers would put worker wellbeing above short-term business gains. How does worker wellbeing factor into your SME? Perhaps, like an increasing number of workplaces in 2024, you’ve implemented programs to boost staff health and productivity. But how effective were these efforts? Let’s find out what worked, what didn’t, and […]
Cyber threats pose a constant and increasing concern for businesses of all sizes, including SMEs. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) reported a 12% increase in calls to the Cyber security Hotline (1300 CYBER1) in 2023-24, highlighting the urgent need for SMEs like yours to ramp up cybersecurity measures. The Essential Eight: A Foundation for […]
The festive season is upon us, and for many businesses, that means it’s time for the annual Christmas Party. According to EventBrite, more than a third of Australian employees attend a Christmas party. The most popular gathering is a lunch, next is a sit-down dinner, cocktail party or taking part in an activity or experiential […]
NSW is introducing compulsory latent defects insurance (LDI) for high-rise residential buildings in NSW from 2028. Find out how your construction company can keep compliant and what LDI cover offers.
A recent incident involving a plumber in Victoria has highlighted the issue of apprentice hazing or bastardisation. A plumber was fined $20,000 in October after being found guilty of driving with a 19-year-old apprentice locked inside a toolbox on the tray of a ute during a 20-minute trip. Meanwhile, in July, a company was fined $10,000 plus costs after […]
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s custom IR advice requests are spiking as more businesses seek help navigating complex workplace issues. Find out what’s driving this demand & what it means for your business.
Ian Hewitt and Associates would like to Wish you a Very Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.
Australia’s spring and summer seasons are expected to be challenging, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting an increase in extreme weather events. The forecast is for heatwaves, bushfires, and storms, with particular concern for floods in Tasmania and bushfires in Victoria and South Australia. The National Emergency Management Agency has been refining its program in the light of the […]
