HIA’s policy development is the foundation for all our advocacy to Government. In representing the interests of the residential building industry, we will invariably be asked to tangibly demonstrate the views of our membership. The impressive process of policy development is HIA’s biggest asset in response to this question and we often remark that our policies go through a thousand sets of hands.

The work undertaken by our regional committees is essential to understanding the issues facing members day to day. In turn, this informs our National Service Committees as they consider and shape policies on a range of national and regional issues. 

Our six National Service Committees convened in Melbourne on the 21 March. Committee agendas were a culmination of regional activity and policy considerations as well as a range of topical issues currently facing the industry nationally. A representative from every HIA region sits on each committee. 

Collating committee views 

HIA’s Legal and IR Committee considered the issue of psychosocial risks and hazards and how HIA can support industry to comply with their obligations. The committee was provided with an update about the regulatory requirements placed on PCBUs and duties around psychosocial risks as well as the components of Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice. The committee also considered HIA position statements related to health and safety, independent contractors, superannuation and portable long service leave.

An overview of the current labour force, apprentice engagement and the National Training Reform Agenda were considered by the National Training and Professional Development Committee. During 2022, the desire to promote and support a more diverse workforce led to the drafting of a new position statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Its basis is that everyone working in the residential building industry, regardless of their background, should be given the opportunity to succeed in their career of choice. Discussion centred around the need (or otherwise) for diversity quotas. It was recognised that they can be a key tool employed by governments to influence levels of representation of specific equity groups, but caution is needed if they are to be widely applied.

Throughout 2022, HIA made considerable investment in digital technology and continues to explore new channels to market. 

HIA’s Membership Services Committee provided valuable feedback and insight into how members prefer to interact with us, helping to inform our digital strategy. They also considered HIA’s Building Women, apprenticeship and publications strategies.

NCC 2022 and the proposed ban on engineered stone led the agenda for the National Technical Committee. Recognising the need for HIA to respond to government initiatives around building resilience and embodied emissions of building materials, the committee considered two new position statements. Ongoing natural disasters are leading governments to question what actions might be taken to ensure homes are located in ‘safe’ places. The debate has the potential to impact housing supply and building construction requirements.

Climate change is also driving governments to consider how to monitor, measure and potentially regulate embodied emissions in building materials. The committee’s views helped shaped the direction of HIA’s advocacy efforts in both these areas.

The proposed ban on engineered stone and the relevant sections of NCC 2022 were also key agenda items for the Kitchens and Bathrooms Committee. The committee workshopped professional development for HIA members involved in the Kitchen and Bathroom sector with the view to developing relevant programs which have the potential to lead to credentialing for members.

Improvements to the planning system continued to be central to discussions for the Planning and Environmental Committee. Development Victoria presented on the e-Comply system, an online 3D building compliance check that promises to streamline the planning approvals process by instantly assessing designs against selected planning and building codes. The committee also reviewed three position statements, which covered waste management, urban land supplies and delegated development assessments.

Decision-making body

HIA’s National Policy Congress (NPC) was established in 1996 when the Association’s regional and national committee structure was formed to represent the interests and concerns of all members. Once a position has been adopted by NPC, it is binding on all parts of the Association.

On 18 May, NPC met to review policies that drive our industry and to elect the new Board of Directors who will steer the Association over the next two years.

During the session, congress was updated on federal government housing policy, including the progress of the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023 and consequential announcements and activity addressing housing supply.

HIA’s Chief Economist Tim Reardon offered insights into impacts of HomeBuilder, supply chains and regional demand for housing. Geordan Murray, Executive Director - Industry Policy gave an overview of demand for skilled labour and migration, while Simon Croft, Executive Director - Building Policy and Services provided background to HIA’s position on decarbonisation and electrification. 

HIA’s advocacy work around planning reform, work health and safety, and industrial relations was also discussed by the congress, which in turn considered 21 policies previously reviewed by service and regional executive committees. NPC recommended the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy be referred back to the National Service Committee for further amendments.

HIA’s National Policy Congress underpins the strength HIA has as one national organisation. The results are testimony to the hard work and dedication of our committee volunteers. Our regions always welcome members who are interested in joining a committee and lending their voice to HIA’s policy formation. 

Policy endorsements 

These policy positions were endorsed by HIA’s National Policy Congress in May for 2023.

1. Industrial Relations & Legal:

• Proportionate Liability and Residential Building Work
• Independent Contracting
• Portable Long Service Leave
• Superannuation Contributions

2. Technical:

• Water Efficiency in Residential Buildings
• Environmental Performance of Existing Homes
• Building Resilience
• Embodied Emissions of Building Material

3. Work Health and Safety:

• Health and Safety in Residential Building Work in the Workplace
• Health and Safety Codes of Practice

4. Training & Professional Development:

• Training Levies
• Professional Development for the Residential Building Industry
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

5. Planning and Environment:

• Waste Management in Residential Construction
• Managing Urban Land Supplies
• Delegated Development Assessments

6. Industry:

• GST Rebate Scheme for New 
• Homes and Renovations
• National Housing Agreements
• First Home Owners Grants
• Regulatory Reform and Red Tape Reduction
• Population and Migration.

First published on 4 August 2023