{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol 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 Communication for 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 Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
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 2025 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

NSW President's report

{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
As newly elected HIA NSW President, I discuss the challenges faced by our industry and the need for housing supply reforms and reducing regulatory barriers.

Gary Walker

HIA NSW President

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.

 

Find out what's happening near you

Visit your region

You might also like

View all $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Bathroom Kitchens Networking Business and digital
Learning, collaboration and fun in the sun
The 2026 HIA National Conference is lighting up the Gold Coast across two spectacular days on 17–18 April, with a line-up that’s specifically aimed at supercharging your business.
Feb 26
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Inspiration Projects
Sculptured for living
Perched on a remote bushland crest in Brisbane’s Redland Bay, this off-grid masterpiece is defined by monolithic concrete forms, environmental sensitivity, and a level of craftsmanship that pushes the boundaries of modern resident...
Feb 26
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice Managing staff Wellbeing Business and digital
How to build our future workforce
A successful apprenticeship completion takes more than just a single commitment – in fact, it takes a team to rise to the challenge. HOUSING looks at some examples of teams doing things the right way.
Feb 26
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Project management Building developments Financial planning
Meet our members: Dean O’Rourke
Starting as an apprentice more than three decades ago, Dean O’Rourke has climbed to the top of Australia’s residential building industry.
Feb 26
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Wellbeing Workplace policies Mental health Better living
The cost-of-living crunch
Financial stress and mental wellbeing are closely connected. HOUSING speaks with Beyond Blue’s Clinical Spokesperson Dr Luke Martin about recognising the signs, understanding the impact, and why reaching out early can make a meani...
Feb 26
6 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Environment Energy efficiency In Focus Risk management
From risk to resilience
As Australia races to meet housing demand, builders face a critical task – designing and constructing homes that withstand extreme weather, protect communities and remain affordable for future generations.
Feb 26
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Design Trends Environment Business and digital
Designing tomorrows palette
Design trends for 2026/27 point to a fusion of natural materials paired with energising colour to create interiors that are both resilient and uplifting. Colour does the mood work – while materials anchor the space. Here’s how cur...
Feb 26
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Project management People
Meet our members Danielle Bonello
Danielle Bonello brings warmth, practicality and over 25 years’ design experience to every project, building a studio that reflects her love of family life and her flair for innovative interiors.
Feb 26
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Kitchens Design Awards Projects
Crafting history
A once-forgotten stable in the Adelaide Hills was transformed into a breathtaking modern farmhouse, thanks to SpaceCraft Joinery’s expert craftsmanship, design precision and deep respect for heritage detail.
Feb 26
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Apprentice Education Plumbing In Focus
Best grade for trades
With a shortage of skilled trades and a considerable housing target, major changes need to take place, including a return to technical colleges.
Feb 26
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Building Women Managing staff Staffing
Meet our members: Ashley Pribaz
With the can-do spirit of the Top End, this HIA award winner is a driven project manager who embraces the ups and downs of NT construction, making sure every team member feels supported along the way.
Feb 26
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Business plans Mental health Wellbeing Business and digital
Making Cents
Getting comfortable with money is one of the biggest factors in the success of any business. HOUSING chats to Kelly+Partners’ Peter Cassar about what that looks like in construction.
Feb 26
4 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight