A CBS Co-operative pre-election survey has delivered a clear message from tradies to political parties: cut the cost and delay of building. Among respondents who identified as tradies, 67.6% named the cost of building materials as a major issue, while 62.0% want the next Government to reduce unnecessary regulation and compliance costs and 56.3% want faster consents and lower council fees. There are also signs of confidence returning, with 52.1% of tradie respondents confident about the next 12 months. Across all respondents, 90.1% backed nationally consistent consent requirements and stronger payment protections, and 58.4% supported a Queensland-style government-backed home warranty scheme. CEO Carl Taylor says consumer protection should not shut good tradies out. The survey was voluntary and self-selected, so results reflect this group only. Read the full release and survey results below.