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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHIA: Past and present
HIA: Past and present
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Ian Bushnell
Content Writer
Housing Industry Association (HIA) is marking its 80th year at a time when the nation faces a housing supply crisis, making the organisation more relevant for builders, contractors and people needing a roof over their heads than ever before.
What started as a meeting of 78 Melbourne builders and contractors in 1945 to form the Builders’ and Allied Trades’ Association (BATA) is now a national organisation with more than 20,000 members and a suite of member services and products.
Although the tightly controlled post-war economy was a far cry from today’s market-based one, the issues remain very similar – red tape; supply chain, workforce and land shortages; cost pressures; home affordability; training and perennial union claims on contractors.
HIA members also face a more complex workplace, business and industry landscape in 2025 than in 1945. HIA can say it is the voice of the residential housing industry, having developed over its lifetime a sophisticated, effective and evidence-based lobbying arm that has achieved significant outcomes for the industry and homebuyers, particularly in difficult times, from the 1960 credit squeeze to the recent COVID pandemic.
Policy development
It was the 1960 credit squeeze that set HIA on the road to becoming a national organisation when BATA wanted to lobby Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies but was told he could only talk to a national body.
Five years later, with the formation of HIA divisions in South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, David Thomson was appointed the first national president.
The addition of two economists led to a stream of reports and studies that enhanced HIA’s growing reputation and credibility with the government, confirming the importance of having a strong research base to present evidence-based policies and arguments.
It also took to heart the advice given by the Fraser government minister Sir Phillip Lynch to national executive director Bill Kirkby-Jones in the 1970s that the test of any submission to the government should be whether it was in the best interest of Australia.
By the 1990s, HIA was an influential national body with a Canberra head office, but it remained essentially a group of state branches dominated by Victoria, all working autonomously.
Evolution
During the 1990s, it undertook a controversial restructuring that brought HIA into the modern era with centralised control from Canberra, equal voting rights, an emphasis on regions, streamlined services, and a single computer and banking system.
This foresight created a genuinely national organisation on a sound commercial footing that could provide better, more affordable services for members, modern communication, and investments for the future. While developing a national voice has been crucial for HIA, the members and their needs are at its core.
HIA developed a range of services, including insurance, legal, and business advice. Investing in the future of the industry through training also became integral to HIA’s mission.
Next generation
HIA has consistently argued the case for trades training during Australia’s love affair with university degrees and can feel vindicated with a renewed focus from the government on vocational education to bridge the skills gap.
A great example is Tasmania's youthBuild program, which introduces Year 9 and 10 students to the building industry. Trade apprenticeships aren’t the only pathway with HIA’s Business Administration Traineeship program, focusing on the industry's management aspects.
HIA is also advocating a more fit-for-purpose skilled migration program to meet workforce needs. And in 2018, HIA established its Building Women program to support women in the industry.
Staying ahead of the curve
HIA has also been at the forefront of the green building revolution, establishing its GreenSmart program in 1999 to stay ahead of the curve on environmental concerns and energy efficiency. It showcases building solutions that are good for the environment and save clients’ money. HIA also celebrates industry achievement at its GreenSmart Awards and Future Homes Forum.
HIA continues to adapt and grow, investing heavily in technology in an environment where members can have an office in their pockets, and the digital economy continues to grow.
In this environment, the industry needs an advocate but also an organisation that has its back and can help it get the job done. HIA has been doing just that for 80 years and is now better positioned than ever to keep doing that.
First published on 15 August 2025