History
About Us
History
Established in 1884, Master Builders SA is the backbone of South Australia’s building and construction sector.
Master Builders SA is committed to building a productive industry and a prosperous South Australian community and economy.
The South Australian building and construction industry directly employs more than 92,000 South Australians across all sectors, including residential, commercial, civil engineering, land development and building completion services. Indirectly, the industry supports tens of thousands more South Australian jobs.
Our Industry
As the state’s premier industry body, we represent nearly 3,000 member organisations—including commercial and residential builders, trades, and subcontractors. We support a sector that employs around 90,000 South Australians and generates more than $18 billion in economic activity. With building and construction driving $1 in every $7 of local economic activity, and indirectly producing over a quarter of the state’s wealth, we are dedicated to fostering a productive industry and a prosperous community.
We empower our members and strengthen their businesses by delivering a variety of services and support, including legal guidance, workplace relations advice, workers’ compensation support, and compliant, industry-led training.
Beyond standard business services, we actively solve the sector’s biggest challenges through landmark, government-backed initiatives: managing the future workforce via our Apprentice Group Training Scheme and the Born to Build careers program; bridging the labour shortage with the BuildConnect skilled migration network; elevating women through the HiViZ Women in Construction initiative; and protecting industry wellbeing with the RISE resilience coaching program.
At both state and federal levels, Master Builders SA is a powerful, research-driven advocate. We ensure our members’ voices directly shape policy, reduce red tape, and build a stable, sustainable business environment where South Australian construction can thrive.
Purpose, Values and What We Do
Who are we?
Master Builders Association of South Australia Inc (Master Builders SA) was established in 1884 as the peak body representing South Australia’s building and construction industry.
We are committed to building a productive industry and a prosperous South Australian community and economy.
Become a part of the team and help make an impact in the South Australian building and construction industry.
Strong Building, Strong Economy
Master Builders SA is committed to delivering a strong and productive building and construction industry and South Australian economy.
The advocacy work we do is based on member feedback and extensive research by the team at Master Builders SA.
Our committees – Housing, Commercial, Subcontractor, Contracts and Industrial Relations – are the “engine room” of our policy development.
We want all members to have the opportunity to have their say, so if there are any issues you want addressed please contact us via policy@mbasa.com.au or call us on 82117466.
Strong Building, Strong Economy
1. Housing affordability
Inefficient land release strategies, excessive development levies, taxes and charges, and excessive planning and building requirements drive up house prices by about 40 per cent.
2. Productive infrastructure
Ensuring there is a strong infrastructure pipeline: roads, hospitals, schools and other public buildings.
3. Cost of doing business
Industry needs a supportive environment to take risks to support future growth. This means less red and green tape, and less taxes.
4. Training
A strong apprenticeship system that ensures a prosperous industry in the future.
5. Planning
A planning system that delivers more and faster development assessments
6. Economic management
Paying down debt and responsible budget management are important priorities for state and federal governments. Reduced public expenditure, as opposed to increased taxation, is the long-term solution.