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Advocacy

Advocacy

HIA speaks for our national membership across all levels of government. We collaborate with our Australia-wide network of regional representatives to present an informed and united front on the issues that affect you and your business.

What matters to our members

HIA is across the most critical issues affecting residential housing in Australia - right now and in the future. Our five-year strategic plan is about addressing all of these, head-on. Our representatives are heavily involved in committees that cover all these key areas. We are dedicated to ensuring our members’ voices are heard when it counts.

house & building

Housing matters

Supporting the Housing Accord commitment to build 1.2million homes over five years and to ensure there is fair and equitable policy and tax reform for the industry to thrive and grow.

landmark

Affordability

Increase home ownership by removing unnecessary taxes and charges on housing, simplify planning rules, and help more Australians own their own home sooner.

briefcase

Quality & compliance

Ensure home building rules are cost effective, achievable and proportional. Limit the impacts of major changes like those to NCC, WHS, building regulatory systems and sustainability reforms.

business

Let business do business

Navigate changes to rules and regulations, prohibitions on goods and services and highlight materials, labour and skilled worker shortages with a "do no harm" approach.

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What we do

It is important to approach government and industry regulators with a solid understanding of the biggest challenges we face. HIA experts work hard to develop qualitative and quantitative research and create powerful and data-driven campaigns that demonstrate why change is necessary.

Explore some of our high-profile endeavours

Housing the Regions

Australia’s current population of 27 million people has historically been concentrated in the major capital cities. Over the past five years this has shifted. Now one third (8.5 million) of Australians live in regional Australia.

Millennials are now the largest cohort buying property in regions outside capital cities. Here's how we could help Australians in the regions build more homes and strengthen communities.

Read more

One House, One Approval

A refreshed and simplified pathway to deliver one approval for the construction of a single house on a block of land zoned for housing.

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Taxation's major impact on housing

HIA engaged the Centre for International Economics (the CIE) to undertake a review of taxes, fees and charges on new housing and apartments.

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Missing Middle Housing Report

We must explore gentle density housing solutions including more townhouses, micro-lot houses and triplexes in existing populated areas. Review the report.

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HIA Planning Blueprint Scorecard

HIA's Planning Blueprint Scorecard grades the planning system of each state and outlines key areas of improvement to achieve the Accord target of 1.2 million homes.

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All Hands on Deck: Construction workforce requirements report

Trade shortages loom as a major threat to the Housing Accord’s target of building 1.2 million homes over the next five years.

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Pre-fab and modular construction

HIA's final report identifies the regulatory barriers for off-site construction in housing. These barriers can be time consuming and costly, resulting in inconsistent outcomes for industry and consumers.

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Ban on engineered stone

Our expert guidance on how to understand the engineered stone ban and minimise the health risks of silicosis. Learn more about how we’ve helped the industry deal with this huge regulatory change.

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The changing voice of the construction industry

The construction industry has become more culturally and linguistically diverse. However, the industry is still lagging other industry sectors when it comes to attracting skilled migrants.

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NCC 2022 changes

We’ve been working hard for our members to minimise the outcome of NCC 2022 changes that have impacted the residential building industry. Explore the latest changes and updates to the National Construction Code.

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How it works

Your voice, heard

Our service committees consult with members in their region about their evolving challenges and opportunities from the frontlines of the industry - what's really going on, on-site and beyond.

Our priorities, aligned

Local representatives join forces at the HIA National Policy Congress and work together to reach common ground so HIA can approach government and regulators from a position of power.

Expert research and development

HIA experts collate national data from our members, conduct research, and lead investigations into the factors contributing to what needs to be addressed, strengthening our stance.

Present to government

We present formal submissions on issues including the Budget, workplace diversity, migration, sustainability, new planning and approval rules, and much more.

The ultimate goal of HIA's advocacy is to initiate meaningful change on behalf of our members. We advocate for significant government policy and regulation amendments that benefit you as part of the residential building industry.

How the National Policy Congress represents you

Our national committees communicate their region's position on building industry issues at HIA's National Policy Congress (NPC). This annual event brings the Association's industry leaders together to create better outcomes for our members and set the direction of HIA's advocacy going forward. 

We develop position (policy) statements from these robust NPC discussions that represent our members' majority outlook on Australian building regulations, home ownership, business compliance and operations, and emerging key policy issues.

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What we present to government

HIA's latest responses to government policy around the housing industry, plus the latest news and economic forecasts for the sector. We submit these consistently throughout the year, ahead of and in response to what’s happening everywhere across Australia, from the regions to the highest level of government.

Latest submissions
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14 Nov
Consultation Draft Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Amendment Bill 2025

HIA provided a response to the Consultation Draft Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Amendment Bill 2025 (Draft Bill) and accompanying draft regulations to Building and Energy (WA).

12 Nov
Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and six related bills

The Australian Government are proposing changes to reform Australia’s long overdue and much discussed national environmental laws, including the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

03 Nov
Best Practice Review of the model WHS laws

HIA responded to the Safe Work Australia on the Best Practice Review of the model Work Health and Safety laws Discussion Paper.

31 Oct
Building Legislation Amendment (Fidelity Fund) Bill 2025

HIA responded to the Building Legislation Amendment (Fidelity Fund NT) Bill 2025 (the Bill).

Industry updates

Affordable Barriers Construction Residential Tax
APRA's handbrake could exacerbate inequities in wealth
The following comments can be HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon in relation to the APRA announcement to limit lending.
Nov 25
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Building approvals Construction Environment Planning Regulations Residential
Progress on EPBC reform positive but implementation now critical
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to see progress on the long-awaited and much debated EPBC Act reforms, though the final details on the new laws and how they will be implemented now become critically important,” ...
Nov 25
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Building approvals Compliance Construction Contractors Contracts Regulations Residential
Changes to building permit applications commence
The Victorian Government has just announced changes to the method of calculating the cost of building work for building permit applications. The changes aim to ensure that the building permit levy is only charged for actual buildi...
Nov 25
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Administration Business operations Construction Regulations Small business
Last chance to contribute to HIA small business survey
Members are being asked by HIA to provide feedback on industry conditions and outlook in the 2026 HIA Small Business Conditions survey.
Nov 25
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Building developments Building approvals Construction Regulations Residential
Fidelity Fund shake up a win for industry
Yesterday the NT Government passed the Building Legislation Amendment (Fidelity Fund) Bill 2025, which includes new Ministerial powers and increased oversight of the operation of the Fidelity Fund NT.
Nov 25
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Building approvals Building developments Construction Development Approval (DA) Forecast Planning Residential
Stable construction cycle trajectory to continue in the Hunter
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) held yesterday an Outlook Breakfast in Newcastle to provide industry with the latest economic data, discuss HIA’s forecasts and share key insights in the residential construction sector.
Nov 25
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Asbestos Cladding Construction Floors Plasterboard Regulations Residential Work Health and Safety (WHS) Safety
Asbestos Awareness Week: reminder to remain vigilant on asbestos safety
“National Asbestos Awareness Week provides an important reminder as we head into end of year, when people may be looking to undertake renovation or DIY work on older properties and the need to be vigilant in managing safety on sit...
Nov 25
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Affordable Building developments Construction Development Approval (DA) Planning Residential
HIA welcomes new HAFF funding but warns delivery the real challenge
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the announcement that Round 3 of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) facility will open early next year, expanding the pipeline of social and affordable housing projects, HIA Ma...
Nov 25
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Construction Environment Outdoor Safety Work Health and Safety (WHS)
Tropical Cyclone Fina
The Bureau of Meteorology has officially forecast Tropical Cyclone Fina to reach Category 3 intensity. There is a Cyclone warning currently in place for Top End coastal communities, including Darwin. Strong gale winds and rain are...
Nov 25
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NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) 2026
Join thousands of industry leaders at the NAHB International Builders’ Show®, the world’s largest annual light construction event. Explore cutting-edge products, breakthrough technologies, and global trends shaping the future of r...
Nov 25
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Affordable Construction Planning Residential Sales
New home sales remain at three-year highs
“The volume of new homes sold in Australia fell by 9.0 per cent in the month of October 2025 but remains at a three-year high,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.
Nov 25
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Compliance Construction Environment Planning Regulations Residential Standards
Inquiry into Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and related bills
Opening statement by Simon Croft, Chief Executive Industry & Policy
Nov 25
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