Victorian Premier Ben Carroll expressed willingness to appear before a royal commission into construction sector corruption, an inquiry he announced. However, he dismissed the opposition's proposed terms of reference and witness list as a "stunt," stating he's working with the chief commissioner.
Yemen's construction industry grinds to a halt due to soaring fuel prices triggered by the US-Israel-Iran war, devastating the livelihoods of labourers like Fuad Mohammed amid a broader economic crisis.
UK households saw a 0.8% drop in real disposable income in Q1 due to rising inflation and capital gains tax, marking the fourth decline in five quarters. The ONS reported 0.6% GDP growth, while political figures like Andy Burnham pledge to tackle living costs, and economists forecast a cautious economic outlook.
Hong Kong's construction industry will explore AI and robotics at the Global AI and Smart Construction Conference and Exhibition on June 24-25. The event features over 50 exhibitors and 40 speakers, showcasing solutions for automation, safety, and efficiency, alongside the CIC AI Award.
A potential US-Iran peace deal is offering hope to India's real estate and construction sectors by potentially lowering oil prices and easing supply chain issues. Developers anticipate reduced construction costs and improved project margins, with stability in the Gulf also expected to boost housing demand from non-resident Indians.
Moscow's Deputy Mayor for Urban Development, Vladimir Efimov, stated at the St. Petersburg Economic Forum that the primary issue in construction is extended timelines, leading to increased costs due to inflation, which has reached about 10% annually. Efforts are underway to optimize project solutions and tighten contractor requirements.
Hong Kong's construction sector is undergoing a digital transformation, driven by public investment and a "AI+" agenda. The Hong Kong Construction Industry (HKIC) is central to this shift, offering training in AI, robotics, and digital engineering to upskill the workforce and enhance efficiency and safety.
Russia and China will enhance collaboration in construction, focusing on regulatory frameworks, standard designs, new technologies, and AI. The announcement came after talks between Presidents Putin and Xi.
President Trump's proposed gas tax holiday to alleviate cost-of-living concerns is facing opposition not only from Democrats but also from Republican-leaning trucking and construction industries, which rely on federal gas and diesel taxes for infrastructure funding.
One year ago, Spain and Portugal experienced Europe's first major 'system black' event in recent memory, causing widespread disruption across infrastructure. Initial media reports blamed renewables, but ENTSO-E's final report identified voltage governance failures as the cause. Despite criticism, Spain has accelerated its renewable transition, adding 13.8 GW of new solar in 2025 – a record year. Spain's March 2026 electricity prices (€43/MWh) are now the third lowest in Europe, protecting consumers from gas price spikes that have otherwise gripped the continent.
