The Friday Brief – Edition 4

30 October 2026 | Issue 4

Muscat Tanzer’s weekly update on developments affecting construction, infrastructure, procurement and government.

Queensland: industrial relations Bill — submissions close Monday

The Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 remains before a parliamentary committee. Written submissions close at noon on 2 November; the committee report is due on 27 November. The Bill proposes changes to public sector industrial relations, including bargaining, protected action and site access. It has not been enacted.

Why it matters: State agencies and councils have a near-term opportunity to identify operational consequences for existing agreements, bargaining plans and access protocols.

NSW: council labour hire Bill moves to the upper house

The Local Government Amendment (Labour Hire) Bill 2026 passed the Legislative Assembly on 21 October and was introduced in the Legislative Council on 22 October. It remains there awaiting the second reading. The Bill would require councils entering or amending labour hire contracts to be satisfied that supplied workers receive at least the remuneration payable for comparable council employment. It is not yet law.

Why it matters: Councils and suppliers can map upcoming renewals and the information needed to compare remuneration, while allowing for amendments before passage.

Victoria: major-project labour hire regulations made

The Labour Hire Licensing Amendment (Construction) Regulations 2026 were made on 27 October and commence on 18 January 2027. On public sector construction projects estimated at $50 million or more, they prescribe labour supply for crane operations, traffic management, security and concreting, including work adjacent to a site. The text includes specific exclusions.

Why it matters: Government principals, head contractors and affected subcontractors should check which arrangements require a licence, review supplier registers and plan applications before commencement. The exact statutory definitions and exclusions matter.

WA: further local government reform proposed

The Local Government Amendment and Repeal Bill 2026 was introduced on 14 October and remains at Assembly second reading. It proposes four-year whole-council elections from 2031, easier voluntary boundary changes and amalgamations, privacy protections, and administrative changes affecting fees, rates and audit committees. These are proposals.

Why it matters: Councils should assess the governance and financial-administration changes against their current processes, particularly if contemplating boundary changes or shared arrangements. No implementation change is required merely because the Bill was introduced.

Commonwealth: KPMG procurement restriction extended

Following its independent review, Finance’s procurement policy note says KPMG has agreed to cease new engagements with entities subject to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules until 28 February 2027. Officials should not enter contracts involving KPMG for approaches to market closing before 1 March 2027, including panel engagements and KPMG subcontracting. The note narrows exemptions to approved variations or extensions of existing contracts and continuing use of specified proprietary products; it recommends a consistent approach for other entities.

Why it matters: Commonwealth buyers should check proposed teams and subcontractors before award, record any exemption and keep supplier due diligence proportionate and fair. The review’s broader reform recommendations remain under consideration, rather than current rules.

Commonwealth: ten-business-day supplier payment terms

Finance’s updated policy note requires non-corporate Commonwealth entities to pay suppliers within 10 business days for all invoice forms from 1 January 2027. Existing terms apply until then; corporate entities are strongly encouraged to adopt the policy.

Why it matters: Commonwealth clients should update finance workflows and tender or contract templates before commencement. Contractors should check payment clauses in new procurements and distinguish this policy from their separate rights under construction security of payment laws.

Muscat Tanzer advises government and industry on construction, infrastructure, procurement, probity and local government matters. This update is general information; application depends on the facts and governing documents.