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We are pleased to present the HIA Annual Report 2024. This year, it incorporates the five key pillars of HIA’s Strategic Plan: Our Community, Our Leadership, Our Capability, Our People and Our Organisation.
These pillars ensure our work for the industry, members and staff is relevant, contemporary and forward-thinking. These pillars inform our direction and accountability to our stakeholders.
Our main goal during 2024 was to engage with as many members as possible - working to support them and understand issues impacting their businesses.
HIA’s senior team went to every region at least twice, visiting members, participating in Regional Executive Committee meetings, attending events and awards, and acknowledging some extraordinary membership milestones. In addition, HIA ran successful National Service Committees in Melbourne, the stand-out HIA National Conference 2024 and HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards in Cairns, and the HIA Future Homes Forum and HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards in Hobart. We introduced more regular meetings of our National Manufacturers Council and started regular online meetings with our Regional Presidents and Vice Presidents.
On 1 July, the clock started ticking on the federal government’s commitment to build 1.2 million homes. We are pleased that a housing supply target has been set. This recognises that the lack of supply is key to high house prices and the availability of affordable rental accommodation. The target’s simple framework was facilitated to recognise any issues holding the industry back. Simultaneously, HIA’s key message is that we seek a reliable, consistent business environment that allows the industry to succeed and thrive.
An abundance of regulations and red tape, slow planning and approvals, lack of skilled labour and unfavourable business conditions continue to hamper efforts to reach the target. Throughout 2024, dwelling approvals rose in Western Australia and Queensland, but overall commencements were still running at decade lows.
In October, HIA released its All Hands on Deck report. It concluded that we need around 83,000 additional workers across the range of trades to come close to meeting the Housing Accord target. Throughout the year, we continued to advocate to the federal government in support of apprentice and employer subsidies and wrap-around support programs targeting apprentice retention and mentoring support.
In addition to more than 800 apprentices being supported through our Group Training, HIA continued to run successful apprentice mentoring programs in New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. This encouraged women into trades and offered school leavers an introductory experience to apprenticeships.
We were reminded that the industry must do its fair share of heavy lifting when it comes to encouraging people into the industry. During HIA’s President’s Dinner in Cairns, our DR Dossetor recipient was Brett Schimming, Chief Executive Officer of BuildSkills Australia. He challenged the audience to think about residential construction in a context where we are competing for skilled labour with other industries better placed to offer more flexible work arrangements. His message was that we cannot simply expect more from government; as an industry, we need to do more to compete for workers.
In 2024, HIA Learning trained more than 2000 people. This covered Diploma, Certificates III and IV and Professional Development Programs which were both face-to-face and online. Previous HIA Director Greg Elsworthy was a champion of training and skills development. We recognised Greg’s contribution to HIA by naming the Hunter training facility the Greg Elsworthy Education Centre in his honour.
Another highlight was recognising the accomplishments of our members. BCM Homes from Victoria took out the 2024 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year. From a tough field, Tasmania’s Oliver Burnell of Ronald Young + Co Builders won the 2024 HIA Jim Brookes Australian Apprentice Award. These were just two of the amazing homes, people and businesses who were recognised in their region and at the national level throughout the year.
It was our pleasure to announce Colleen May—General Manager of May Constructions—as the 2024 recipient of HIA’s prestigious Sir Phillip Lynch Award of Excellence. Running a successful building business, Colleen is a past HIA Victorian President and has spent countless hours of dedication to the HIA Building Women program. It was difficult to think of a more worthy recipient this year.
The array of programs, events and advocacy work are evidence of a vibrant, active and engaged organisation. However, we can only thrive with the support of our members and staff. We acknowledge the work of HIA’s Board of Directors, our Regional Presidents and Vice Presidents, Chairs of our Service Committees, award judges and indeed, all those who take time out of their busy lives to participate in our regional committees.
HIA employees are working hard across the country to deliver on behalf of our industry and community, and we are proud of their efforts. Given the prominence of their roles with members, we acknowledge the retirement of long-serving staff members Annette Christou, David Bare and Russell Holtham whose experience and wisdom will be missed.
In 2025, there will be a federal election. We anticipate housing will be a core issue for voters. With this in mind, we intend to enter the new year with great optimism for positive change for our industry and to put the success of our members at the heart of everything we do.
The operating surplus for 2024 was $2,388,342 compared with a deficit of $1,919,266 in 2023. This represents an improvement in net operating results of $4,307,608 year on year. After two years of negative results, the pleasing positive outcome was driven by cost-reduction strategies and favourable results from several business units. It was accomplished despite challenging conditions within the industry.
Total revenue for the group in 2024 was $102.5 million, representing a 3.5 per cent increase over the previous year. The Association's revenue surpassed $100 million, marking a significant milestone. Revenue increased year on year in HIA Apprentices, Training, Membership, Events, Insurance, Stationery and Property. However, revenue declined in Grants & Projects, Publications, Safety Services and HIA Vehicles. Returns from HIA’s investments were also lower year on year.
Home building activity in 2024 declined compared with the previous year. Housing starts remained low due to challenges with higher interest rates. Construction and land costs resulted in lower housing affordability.
The Association continued to access government stimulus funding, including Completing Apprenticeship Commencements (CAC program). HIA passed 100 per cent of the subsidies received under these programs to eligible hosts. The subsidies greatly assisted with the employment of HIA’s apprentices by providing financial relief to the hosts and encouraging them to maintain their apprentices’ employment.
During the year, HIA successfully completed training for 167 apprentices under the Group Apprenticeship Scheme. HIA also continued the four-year LAHCfunded apprenticeship and traineeship program across New South Wales. Throughout the year, numerous state government-funded initiatives were implemented, with several scheduled to extend into 2025.
In November 2024, the federal government awarded a $2.0 million grant to HIA to deliver work health and safety advice to the industry. By the end of 2025, qualifying participants can work for the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord.
HIA held several successful and well-supported events across various regions in Australia in 2024. They increased member engagement and delivered an improvement in the business unit’s operating result compared with the previous year.
During 2024, HIA sold its existing Brisbane property for $7.3 million and purchased new offices in Newstead for $12.5 million. HIA also purchased a new office in Melbourne for $19.2 million, which will be ready for occupation by mid-2025. HIA continues to execute on the long-term policy of owning and maintaining its own property assets to underpin long-term viability.
HIA's investment portfolio fell from $36.1 million in 2023 to $14.7 million in 2024 after selling investments to buy new properties in Brisbane and Melbourne.
During the year, HIA also achieved improvements in its Business Intelligence reports, which enhanced the availability of data for decision making. There will continue to focus on this area in 2025.
Net assets at the end of 2024 were $97.0 million compared to $96.3 million at the end of 2023.
The net increase of $0.7 million results from a $2.4 million operating surplus and a $0.5 million investment gain, offset by a $2.2 million land and buildings valuation decrease.
The decline in net valuation was due to various factors in the Sydney property market, including rising bond yields, increased debt costs, inflationary cost pressures and higher rental incentives, which reduced projected market yields and hence valuations.
HIA ended the year with $8.8 million cash in the bank and $97.0 million in net assets. This represents five dollars of assets for every dollar of liabilities which mitigates future business risks. HIA is well-positioned to leverage emerging opportunities to build sustainable wealth and to support the expansion of future member services.
3 issues
of Housing magazine & 11 Housing eDMs produced
37 new
& 70 revised info sheets added to digital library on technical, planning, legal & business compliance
1100+
eDMs informing members on regional & national issues
94
member alerts on government changes & industry issues
252
media releases - 5183 media mentions of HIA speaking for our industry on housing issues nationally
5.2 mil
people were reached on our social media platforms, 1 mil users visited hia.com.au
31 awards
functions held across Australia
167
apprenticeship completions
323
new apprenticeship commencements
115
professional development courses delivered nationally
3667
people completed professional development training across technical, legal, business management, safety & sustainability
$180,000
donated by HIA Charitable Foundation
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is Australia’s peak national industry association for residential construction and home building, renovation and development. In 1945, we began a journey to strengthen the housing industry. Since then, HIA has proudly worked to improve regulatory environments for thousands of builder and trade contractors across the country.
We are driven to serve our members every day, arming them with knowledge, advice, resources and support to help them build their businesses and continue to build homes for all Australians.
It is our mission to support the industry and to build trust: trust in our members, in their businesses and in their work.
To be the residential building, renovation and development industry association which:
To promote policies and provide services which enhance our members’ business practices, products and profitability, consistent with the highest standards of professional and commercial conduct.
In 1945, we set out to unite the housing industry. Since then, trusted HIA members have helped millions of Australians build their dream home. It’s in our heritage and our hearts. Beyond our heritage, we’re about building the future – in many more ways than just building houses.
We’re about building security through belonging and strength in numbers so that every business can be part of something bigger – affecting change that matters to all Australians and creating more opportunities for everyone. We believe in putting people first.
We’re about sharing industry-leading knowledge and tailor-made advice to keep each HIA member at the forefront of the industry. We work with our members’ best interests at heart because their success is our success. And when the housing industry is going well, it’s good for all Australians.
We’re about building a bright future for the country and the industry. In everything we build, we’re building trust – trust in the industry, trust in our members, and trust in their work.
And that’s why with HIA, ‘you’re in good hands’.
We aspire to be an employer of choice and, in doing so, always look for the best people to join our team. We work together, showing mutual respect, integrity and a commitment to service each other, our members and our organisation. HIA’s core values are the qualities we see in each other and those we live and work by. We value:
The health and safety of all those within our working environment is paramount to our business operations and should be at the forefront of our thinking and actions.
We strive for excellence in providing the best service outcome for our members and each other. We are committed to delivering the best in whatever we seek to achieve. We work as a team with enthusiasm, dedication and loyalty.
Respect for ourselves and those we deal with – for our colleagues, our members, the person in front of you or on the other end of the phone. We always work more effectively together as a team with open and honest communication, empathy, understanding, encouragement and acknowledgement of others.
At HIA, integrity means honesty, loyalty, ethical behaviour, fairness, responsibility and accountability. It’s doing what’s right by others.
We demonstrate our core values by adhering to high ethical principles, quality, and experience. It’s doing what we say we will do.
We work together collaboratively for the benefit of each other and our members.
In 2024, the HIA Charitable Foundation donated $180,000 to three worthy organisations - Beyond Blue, Tradie Health Institute and the Victorian Homeless Fund.
The Foundation has been committed to raising awareness of the mental health issues that affect so many in the residential building industry. Our industry can be unpredictable, with extreme highs and lows. It is not surprising there is a high incidence of anxiety, depression, substance abuse and, when left unsupported, suicide. In the Australian construction industry, one in five workers will experience a mental health condition during their lifetime. The Foundation is proud of its continuing support for the work of Beyond Blue.
It's no exaggeration to describe silicosis as an emerging health crisis within the housing industry. Tradie Health Institute is a world-leading initiative dedicated to improving the lives of tradies living with silicosis. Its cohesive, coordinated 'go hard or go home' approach already delivers positive results. The Foundation has been able to provide support to the Tradie Health Institute over the past two years.
(L-R) Anthony Gleeson (Director), Bruce Robb (Director), Cathy Inglis (Director), David Linaker (Treasurer), David Morris (Director), Debbie Johnson (National President), Alwyn Even (Past National President), Ian Hazan (National Vice President), Craig Muse (Director), Jocelyn Martin (Managing Director), Shane Goodwin (Director).
HIA is a national organisation governed by our members to benefit both members and the housing industry as a whole. HIA’s Constitution establishes the framework that guides our operations and advocacy.
Our National Policy Congress (NPC) brings together members from across Australia to build our united voice. The National Board of Directors acts as the executive arm of the NPC, administering and overseeing operations and finances.
Every two years, HIA holds elections for office holders. At the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM), a new board was elected.
Debbie Johnson National President
Ian Hazan National Vice President
David Linaker Treasurer
Alwyn Even Past National President
Cathy Inglis National Director
Shane Goodwin National Director
Bruce Robb National Director
David Morris National Director
Craig Muse National Director
Anthony Gleeson National Director
Jocelyn Martin Managing Director
Under the leadership of the Managing Director, HIA’s staff play a critical role in delivering valuable services to all our stakeholders. They operate from the national office in Canberra, nine regional offices, and seven sub-regional areas across the country.
In 2024, our senior executives, regional executive directors, and general managers worked alongside more than 300 staff. Our people are responsible for delivering an ever-growing range of products and services while supporting members’ needs every day – wherever they are.
Jocelyn Martin Managing Director
Kristin Brookfield Deputy Managing Director
Brenton Gardner Chief Executive – Business Innovation
Fiona Nield Chief Executive – Business Services
Catherine Lynch Chief Executive – Communications and Marketing
Nadine Goldsmith Chief Executive – Enterprise Operations
Simon Croft Chief Executive - Industry and Policy
Lalit Prasad Chief Financial Executive
Annette Christou Company Secretary and Group Operations Manager
David Humphrey Corporate Legal Counsel
David Bare Regional Executive Director – NSW
Mike Roberts Regional Executive Director – QLD
Fiona Knight Executive Officer
As HIA is a national association, one of its greatest strengths is the ability to debate and achieve consensus on how we approach the policy issues that matter most to our members. HIA’s policies are developed through a process that engages more than 1,000 members on committees across the country each year.
These members are at the coalface, experiencing first-hand-and shedding light on-the difficulties, hurdles, and pain points that disrupt and hinder the efficiency of the housing industry.
HIA’s committee structure includes regional service and specialist committees, such as the Kitchens & Bathrooms Committee and the National Manufacturers Council. These forums address local issues that are then deliberated at a national committee level before progressing to the National Policy Congress. The regional service committees focus on core membership policy and service areas, such as Technical, Planning & Environment, Training & Professional Development, Industrial Relations & Legal, and Membership Services.
HIA’s regional executives and management team lead our advocacy efforts across each state and territory, ensuring decisions reflect the views of our members and their elected representatives. Each year, these committees come together to determine HIA’s position on key industry issues, achieving consensus through engagement and mutual respect. HIA’s national position statements form the foundation of our united voice.
HIA is a vibrant, active, and engaged Association that places the success of our members at the heart of everything we do.Jocelyn Martin - HIA Managing Director
Much of HIA’s advocacy work happens on a state and territory basis to improve industry’s business outcomes, as well as gaining support for streamlined housing delivery in all forms. Here’s an overview of how the Association worked hard for members in each region throughout the year.
Click on the region icons to discover more!
This interactive map lets you explore tailored information for each of the HIA regions across Australia. Simply hover over the map and click your region to get started.
Get the full report detailing all the information on HIA's commercial and financial performance for 2024.