Subcontractors Demand Urgent Reform

The Australian Subcontractor Alliance (ASA), representing thousands of subcontractors and tradespeople across Australia’s construction sector, has today launched its 2025 Federal Election Priorities, calling on all sides of politics to commit to urgent reforms that will ensure the sustainability, productivity, and fairness of the Australian construction industry.

The ASA’s policy platform highlights critical challenges facing the construction sector — including widespread unfair contract terms, the persistent threat of phoenixing activity, ongoing payment insecurity, and a looming skilled trades shortage expected to reach 50,000 workers by 2030.

Australia’s construction sector employs more than 1.34 million people and is responsible for delivering the infrastructure that underpins our nation. Yet, subcontractors — the backbone of this industry — continue to face unfair and unsustainable business practices. Without decisive action, Australia’s construction future is at risk.

Key ASA Election Priorities include:

•    Appoint a dedicated Federal Minister for Building and Construction to lead reform.

•    Overhaul Unfair Contract Terms (UCTs) laws to protect subcontractors from unfair contract provisions and practices.

•    Establish a specialised ACCC unit to tackle illegal phoenixing activity.

•    Implement a uniform, national Security of Payment regime.

•    Review insolvency laws to stop unfair clawback of payments made in good faith.

•    Reinstate the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) to ensure enforcement of workplace laws.

•    Support for Small Business and cut the corporate tax rate to 25% for businesses under $250 million turnover.

•    Invest $1 billion in vocational education and training (VET) over four years, prioritising industry-led solutions.

The ASA warns that without action, the construction industry risks losing up to $500 million each month in productivity due to unfair and inefficient practices — costs ultimately borne by workers, businesses, and consumers.

About the ASA

The Australian Subcontractor Alliance (ASA) brings together leading trade associations including :

•    Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA)

•    Carpentry Australia

•    Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA)

•    Insulated Panel Council Australasia

•    Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand (MPANZ)

•    National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA)

•    National Fire Industry Association (NFIA) 

•    The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association

•    Specialist Contractors 

•    Surveyors Australia