Construction Compliance in 2025–2026

Construction Compliance in 2025-2026

The year ahead presents major regulatory shifts for the construction industry. From the rollout of NCC 2025 to new WHS duties around psychosocial hazards, the sector must prepare for more rigorous compliance obligations, affecting both site operations and workforce management.

Whether you're a principal contractor, subcontractor, or managing multiple crews across projects, now is the time to review and update your compliance frameworks. Below, we’ve summarised the most relevant updates that industry leaders and compliance teams need to plan for.

What’s New in 2025–2026?

1. National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 - Effective from May 2025
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has rolled out NCC 2025, which introduces more stringent requirements across sustainability, safety, and performance standards. This includes increased thermal performance standards for housing, net-zero-ready buildings, condensation management, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Construction professionals must familiarise themselves with these technical changes and adapt project designs and approvals accordingly. More info

2. Fair Work Information Statement – Effective from 1 July 2025
Employers must provide all new employees with the updated Fair Work Information Statement (FWS) from 1 July 2025. In the construction industry, where onboarding is frequent, it’s essential to incorporate the latest FWS into induction processes and maintain records for audit purposes. More info

3. Superannuation Guarantee Increase to 12% - Effective from 1 July 2025
The compulsory superannuation guarantee rate has risen from 11.5% to 12%. This affects payroll obligations for all construction workers and contractors employed under PAYG arrangements. More info

4. Paid Parental Leave Expansion - Effective from 1 July 2025
The government has extended Paid Parental Leave from 22 to 24 weeks. Construction employers need to update their leave policies and manage staffing coverage more proactively. More info

5. Right to Disconnect - Effective from 26 August 2025 (for small businesses)
Employees will have the legal right to refuse unreasonable work-related contact outside their standard hours. While this law may seem more relevant to office-based industries, construction managers must reassess how and when they communicate with staff, especially for night shift, weekend updates, or roster changes. More info

6. Psychosocial Hazard Regulations - Effective from 1 December 2025
New nationally aligned WHS regulations will require construction businesses to actively manage psychosocial hazards such as stress, harassment, and poor support. Construction’s high-risk nature means these requirements will be closely monitored by regulators. More info.

7. Mandatory Payday Superannuation - Effective from 1 July 2026
Super payments will be required on each payday, rather than quarterly. Employers in construction, especially those managing high-turnover workforces, must prepare for system upgrades and payroll alignment. More Info

8. Engineered Stone Ban - Effective from 1 July 2024 (impact ongoing into 2025)
While this ban began in mid-2024, compliance and enforcement is even more prominent in 2025. The use, supply, and installation of engineered stone with more than 1% crystalline silica is banned nationwide. Construction businesses must adjust procurement and training practices accordingly. More info

What is Construction Compliance?

Construction compliance refers to the set of laws, regulations, and standards that govern how building work is carried out, who performs it, and how workers are managed. This includes:

Meeting National Construction Code (NCC) standards
WHS responsibilities including psychosocial risk management
Credential and licence validation
Proper employment classification and recordkeeping
Labour hire and subcontractor management
Environmental and planning approvals

How WorkPro Supports Your Site & Workforce

WorkPro’s all-in-one platform supports construction firms in meeting workforce compliance obligations:

eLearning Modules: Access over 60 role and industry specific safety modules. This includes topics such as Construction Worker Safety and General Trades Safety, as well as key compliance topics such as Managing Workplace Fatigue and Returning to Work following a Workplace Injury or Illness.
Background Checks: Streamline your screening process with access to over 100 national and international background and probity checks, all from one secure platform. From Work Rights and Australian Citizenship verification to criminal history, reference, qualification, and financial regulatory checks, WorkPro makes it simple to manage compliance in one place.
Credential Management: Collect and monitor white cards, high-risk work licences, first aid, and other certifications with expiry alerts and dashboard oversight.
Resource Hub: Stay ahead of legal changes with easy access to practical guides, checklists, and factsheets designed to keep your team informed and prepared.

Whether you're managing a crew, running a subcontractor network, or building complex projects, staying compliant is essential to operating safely and legally in 2025 and beyond.

WorkPro simplifies workforce compliance so you can focus on building quality outcomes.