{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA Tradepass Advertise jobs Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Reduce the regulatory burden and improve government service delivery

Reduce the regulatory burden and improve government service delivery

HIA calls for the next ACT Government to:

  • Adopt a 4-year moratorium on new regulation and taxes on home building
  • Restore the previous height limit for regulated trees to 12m
  • Introduce a more flexible approach to Urban Forest canopy goals
  • Improve accountability and performance of government entities
  • Complete development approvals within the statutory timeframe


The residential building industry in the ACT is exhausted from the rate of reforms impacting land supply, home designs, business operations and construction. Restrictive regulation has been piled on new homes, and the industry responsible for delivery, with poor consultation and inappropriate transition periods. 

An incoming government should commit to stability by adopting a ‘do no harm’ approach to regulations that impact the delivery of new housing. A commitment during the next term of government to not make change would be one of the most practical and simple ways to improve the delivery of new homes and support the home building industry’s ability to comply with the myriad of rules and regulations that already exist. 

Protecting the environment and retaining Canberra’s ‘bush capital’ mantle are important goals that are supported by the housing industry and the community. However there needs to be an honest conversation about the impact of some sustainability policies to better balance their cost and their impact on housing delivery. Sustainability should complement, not undermine, affordability and access to housing. 

Further changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) in 2025 are currently being considered. The government must provide a minimum transition period of two years once these changes are finalised, to allow education programs to be rolled out, and customers sufficient time to understand the cost implications. 

There needs to be greater accountability for housing affordability and supply by those government entities and directorates that make decisions that directly impact efficient and affordable housing delivery across the Territory. In 2023/24 only 65% of development applications were processed within statutory timeframes.

  • Adopt a 4-year moratorium on new regulation and taxes on home building and reduce the sustainability burden on new housing and small business. Consider the ‘do no harm’ principle with respect to housing delivery in any proposed regulatory changes.
  • Restore the previous height limit for regulated trees to 12m.

  • Introduce a more flexible approach to Urban Forest canopy goals, removing the focus from individual blocks and allow targets to be met across developments, including green spaces and verges.
  • Improve accountability and performance of government entities, including planning, tree protection and utility agencies.
  • Complete development approvals within the statutory timeframe in 90% of applications.
{{ propApi.text }}
$vuetify.icons.faArrowRight