NSW President's report

This is my first communication to members as HIA NSW President. In late February, the roles of President, Vice President and chairs and vice chairs of HIA NSW service committees were elected. Representing NSW members as President for the next two years is a personal honour and privilege.

On behalf of the membership, let me acknowledge and thank my predecessor, Laurie Cosentino. Laurie’s contribution to HIA NSW as President and over the years with our service committees cannot be overstated. I am grateful for his wise counsel and thankful that he remains an active NSW Regional Executive Committee member. I also look forward to working with NSW Vice President David Mann and the rest of the NSW Regional Executive Committee.

Members’ businesses continue to face significant challenges. Our industry is adjusting to the continuing impacts of rising input costs, supply chain constraints and increasing regulatory burdens. We also have a fledgling NSW minority government attempting to find its feet. I believe the next twelve months will provide the opportunity to tackle many long-standing barriers to housing supply more effectively.

Housing supply and cost of living pressures are the biggest issues facing the NSW Government. This fact, coupled with the Federal Government targeting 1 million homes nationally over five years (314,000 in NSW), provides the perfect platform to make a case for reforms. Reforms that allow us to get on with the business of building. This will be a priority for me during my tenure.

The HIA pre-election policy imperatives remain the core focus of the NSW Executive Director, David Bare, and his team. Increasing housing supply to meet true demand, more shovel-ready land, a planning system that supports housing delivery and building a skilled workforce.

Perhaps the most important policy imperative is to let our industry recover and thrive. How? By minimising the consistent imposition of regulatory requirements that serve as barriers to supply and growth.

I know a major focus for members is managing the NCC2022 changes. HIA has and will continue to keep members informed on what these changes mean for their business. I urge members to take the opportunity to attend information sessions and access the HIA website for the most up-to-date information. In NSW, HIA continues to lobby the new government to delay the introduction of the 1 October 2023 NCC provisions by at least 12 months. These provisions include increases to BASIX targets. A delay will allow the industry and supply chains time to adjust.

Our strong focus on promoting skilled trades and apprenticeships continues. HIA is working closely with the NSW Government to grow the skilled trade base we need to deliver housing in this state, especially promoting trade apprenticeships. This is a particular passion of mine and one I am keen to embrace during my presidency.

I look forward to meeting and engaging with as many NSW members as possible during my 2-year term.

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