Support Aussie Sole Traders and Small Businesses in the Building Industry

The Australian construction and trade industries are currently dominated by large corporations, which often leave sole traders and small businesses struggling to survive. While these large companies benefit from economies of scale, vast resources, and extensive networks, they often undercut smaller businesses, driving down wages and creating unfair competition. This has resulted in a significant decline in the working conditions for tradespeople, with many facing fluctuating schedules, unfair last-minute changes to projects, and an overall lack of control over their work-life balance.
For small businesses and sole traders in the trade industry, the situation is even more dire. Despite their critical role in local economies, these businesses are often excluded from larger contracts or forced to accept unfair terms in order to remain competitive. As a result, they struggle with lower profit margins, and workers in these businesses often find themselves working longer hours for less pay, contributing to higher stress levels and poorer mental health outcomes.
The current market dynamics also harm the broader economy. When large corporations dominate the sector, the wealth generated from these projects tends to leave local communities, as these companies often rely on imported labour and materials. By contrast, supporting small businesses and sole traders would keep wealth within local economies, helping to boost job creation, community development, and overall economic growth.

Supporting small businesses in the trade and construction sectors isn’t just an economic necessity—it’s a moral imperative. Ensuring that sole traders and small businesses have access to fair work opportunities would not only level the playing field but would also foster a healthier, more competitive marketplace. This petition calls for a policy that mandates a percentage of all major housing development contracts be allocated to sole traders and small businesses, providing them with the opportunity to thrive, ensuring fair wages, and fostering a better working environment for all involved.

The time for change is now. We urge the government and policymakers to act to create a fairer, more sustainable future for Australian tradies and small businesses.