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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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15 Dec
Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard Review 2025-26

HIA provided a submission on the review of the Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard (2025-26).

12 Dec
Land Use Planning and Approvals Amendment (Development Assessment Panels) Bill 2025

HIA supports the Land Use Planning and Approvals Amendment (Development Assessment Panels) Bill 2025. HIA is confident that DAPs will deliver meaningful improvements to a planning system that is currently struggling to meet Tasmania’s housing and development needs.

12 Dec
Statutory review: Work Health and Safety Act 2020

HIA responded to the Statutory Review of the Work Health and Safety Act and the associated Discussion Paper, released for public consultation by WorkSafe WA and Quantum Consulting.

12 Dec
Registration of Building Inspectors Discussion Paper

HIA responded to the Building and Construction Industry Review: Registration of Building Inspector Discussion Paper.

Industry updates

CPD Small business
Compulsory CPD coming this year dont be caught out
Did you realise that compulsory Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training is expected to be mandated in 2026?
Jan 26
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Affordable Building developments Construction Low rise construction Planning Residential
HIA welcomes approval of New Town redevelopment
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the approval of the $35 million redevelopment of the former WIN Television site in New Town, describing it as a positive step for housing supply, urban renewal and renewed confidence...
Jan 26
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Affordable Building approvals Construction Development Approval (DA) Planning Regulations Residential
Productivity roadmap welcomed, time to tackle local government barriers
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the Queensland Productivity Commission’s (QPC) Final Report as a vital blueprint for improving housing supply and affordability. However, HIA warns that the State Government’s re...
Jan 26
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Construction Planning Residential Tax
Housing starts rise but still below target
“Lower interest rates have seen the volume of new homes commencing construction increase, but they still remain well below the government’s target,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Maurice Tapang.
Jan 26
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Construction Low rise construction Medium rise construction Residential
Strong rebound in ACT apartment starts
The latest dwelling commencements data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today shows a sharp pick-up in multi-unit residential construction activity in the ACT.
Jan 26
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Affordable Building developments Construction Development Approval (DA) Forecast Planning Residential Medium rise construction
Pre-sale Finance Guarantee: a policy so good, we increased our forecasts
“It is good to see the NSW Government taking action to address the chronic undersupply of housing in NSW,” said Brad Armitage, HIA Executive Director NSW.
Jan 26
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Bushfires Construction Environment Insurance Legal Outdoor Residential
Victorian bushfire support for fire affected businesses and individuals
In what has been a difficult time for many Victorians, HIA welcomes the package of support measures announced by the Allan and Albanese Governments to support businesses, individuals and communities affected by the recent Victoria...
Jan 26
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Affordable Building developments Construction Fees Planning Regulations Residential Tax
Another increase in property taxes coming
“HIA is disappointed that the Victorian government has announced new proposals to further increase property taxes,” stated HIA Executive Director Victoria, Keith Ryan.
Jan 26
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Administration Apprentice Compliance Construction Insurance Planning Regulations Residential
Red tape and skills shortages stall builder hiring despite housing boom
HIA says residential builders and trades remain cautious about hiring in 2026. Not due to a lack of housing demand, but because of mounting cost pressures, regulatory hurdles, and persistent skills shortages, according to a survey...
Jan 26
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Planning Environment Standards
New planning requirements for car parking
The Victorian state government has introduced new provisions in Clause 52.06 of planning schemes specifying car parking requirements in new developments.
Jan 26
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Business operations Compliance Contractors Construction Harassment Human Resources (HR) Managing staff Mental health Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
What’s new for workplaces in 2026?
Workplace laws are set for more changes in 2026.
Jan 26
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Affordable Building approvals Construction Residential
Small business confidence falters in residential building sector
Australia’s residential building industry has entered the new year with confidence still on shaky ground for small businesses as rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook.
Jan 26
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