The Australian Government has allocated $4.6 million in the 206-27 Budget to continue helping residential builders get accreditation faster under the WHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme). This supports the safe delivery of the Government’s 40,000 new social and affordable homes. 

The funding allows the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner to keep fast-tracking applications in 2026-27 from residential builders who are working on Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) projects. Fast-tracked applicants are given priority and up to 40 hours of dedicated Federal Safety Officer support during the accreditation process, which is helping builders get accredited in around 5 months. 

The Scheme keeps driving workplace safety, with accredited builders reporting fewer injuries and lower workers’ compensation premiums than the industry average. This new funding will help ensure that workers on HAFF projects keep going home safely every day. 

For more information see the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations 2026-27 Budget website. 

For more information on the requirements of the Scheme for residential builders and Housing Australia projects please visit the new Residential Builders undertaking Housing Australia webpage.