In this issue, we look at corruption within the VBA, how the ACTU is welcoming a $10,000 cost-of-living boost for apprentices and the highlights of the latest RPM Market Report.
Court documents have outlined an alleged bribery scheme involving staff at the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), who were reportedly offered money in exchange for advancing builder registration applications.
The scheme was the focus of an anti-corruption investigation that has resulted in charges against three VBA employees and 27 others. The case is set to return to court in April.
Details of the alleged scheme first surfaced last year when the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) revealed that two VBA employees were among six individuals initially charged as part of an investigation into alleged financial incentives for assessment approvals.
Documents allege a VBA employee was influenced to progress builder registration applications via
incentives “regardless of [the applicant’s] suitability or eligibility for the registration”.
Late last year, the state government announced plans to restructure the authority, replacing it with a more powerful building industry regulator.
The decision came after a damning independent review revealed significant failures in the VBA’s handling of homeowner complaints, leaving many facing years of financial hardship due to defective or incomplete homes.
ACTU welcomes $10,000 cost-of-living boost for apprentices
Australian Unions have welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement of a $10,000 wage bonus for apprentices in housing construction and clean energy.
The policy follows the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System, which identified low wages as a major barrier to both entry and completion of apprenticeships.
From 1st July 2025, eligible apprentices will receive five $2,000 payments throughout their apprenticeship to supplement their wages. These incentives aim to ease cost-of-living pressures, boost completion rates, and strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers in construction and clean energy.
The program is expected to support the federal government’s goal of building 1.2 million homes in five years under the Homes for Australia initiative. However, details on eligible occupations are yet to be released.
This initiative builds on the government’s expansion of Free TAFE and reductions in HECS debt for students.
Highlights from the rpm - melbournes apartments & townhouses market report
In the most current RPM report released, these were some of the main highlights:
• Net overseas migration will sustain ongoing demand for built form housing
• Elevated construction costs will continue to stifle supply levels
• Undervalued units and limited supply, risks creating a potential shortfall when the market shifts
• Apartment approvals rebounded in Q3 tripling from Q2’s historic lows
• With a 46% price gap between houses and units, units appear undervalued – offering potential opportunities for investors. However, this is threatened by the prospect of lower resale prices
RPM Melbourne Apartments & Townhouses Market Report
