Master Builders Australia

Master Builders Australia is the national peak body for the building and construction industry in Australia. It is a federation of eight state and territory Master Builders Associations, covering New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. The organisation says it has been building Australia for more than 130 years, and its national office is in Barton, Canberra. Its website is masterbuilders.com.au.

Role

Master Builders Australia describes itself as the national voice of the building and construction industry, which it values at about A$200 billion. It represents around 32,000 member businesses nationwide, from small builders and trade contractors to large construction companies. Its work includes:

• advocating to the federal government on industrial relations, taxation, building regulation, skills and housing policy;
• contributing to the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards;
• supporting state associations, which deliver most direct member services such as contracts, training, legal advice and building awards.

Roofing connections

Roofing contractors and roof plumbers in Australia are often members of their state Master Builders Association or of specialist roofing associations, some of which are affiliated with state Master Builders bodies. State associations run awards and training programmes that include roofing work.

Australian roofing context

Australia's dominant roof coverings are coated steel sheet (such as corrugated and trapezoidal profiles) and concrete and terracotta tiles. Key standards include AS 1562.1 for metal roof and wall cladding and AS 2050 for installation of roof tiles. Bushfire-prone areas have additional requirements under AS 3959.

Contractor licensing is handled by each state and territory, not nationally. Roofing and roof plumbing may require a licence depending on the state and the type and value of work. Consumers should check with their state building or fair trading regulator before hiring a roofer.