Real reason razed roofs are not repaired is bigger than storm: MBA

“Roofers are in short supply as a result. I know some companies that have roofers and builders down in the ACT,” he said.

“They want to bring them back to do the work they have out at Springfield.”

Insurance companies were now paying Queensland roofers and builders “surge costs” to return to Queensland, Mr Bidwell said.

“The insurance builders – because of these surge costs – are paying their subcontractors significantly more than normal market conditions.”

Mr Bidwell said roofers working on contracts under the HomeBuilder scheme were being tempted to earn the extra money instead from insurance repairs.

“When it comes to putting the [new-build] roof on they are saying, ‘I can’t do it. I’m busy because I’m going over…