TAS President's report

As the new President, I would like to recognise the outstanding work of the outgoing President, Ben Wilson. I also congratulate my Vice-President, Domonee van Heerden, on her appointment. Domonee and I know we are well supported by our Regional Executive colleagues and the hard-working and dedicated HIA team serving our industry. 

State of Play

It is another jam-packed year for HIA and the Tasmanian residential construction industry. Despite evidence that the heat is coming out of the market, the industry continues to work through many projects in the pipeline that were a by-product of strong housing demand pre-COVID and the larger- than- anticipated uptake of HomeBuilder.

HIA has provided ongoing support to help members to overcome and navigate supply- side constraints, leading to delays and cost increases. While materials have become more readily available, resulting in some downward pressure on costs, skills shortages remain, and affordable land supply is an ongoing impediment. With the government’s plans to build 10,000 social dwellings by 2032, the provision of serviced and developable land will be a key focus, as we strive to formulate a strategic approach to housing supply.

While we have experienced challenges, Tasmania has well and truly weathered the storm. The industry has demonstrated resilience and contributed greatly to the post-COVID economic recovery. It is well- positioned to tackle any new issues as the State prioritises housing.

HIA Advocacy

On the policy front, HIA has made close to 30 submissions in the last 12 months covering planning, technical, social and affordable housing, compliance, skills and training reforms.

We have been heavily involved in consultations on building reforms that will reintroduce home warranty insurance (HWI), establish a new building tribunal, provide for additional mandatory inspections, impose obligations on surveyors to issue rectification orders and hold permit authorities responsible for their decisions. While the first round of reforms has gone before Parliament, the second round incorporating HWI is still being finalised. HIA has consigned its opposition to the reintroduction of HWI, to assist the government with the development of a workable model of insurance for the industry.

A significant volume of critical work has occurred in the planning space. HIA continues to call for simplifying approval systems and a more strategic housing and land supply approach. This has resulted in HIA contributing to several reviews, including:

• 30- Year Greater Hobart Plan;
• Review of the Future of Local Government;
• Review of Tasmanian and State Planning Policies;
• Development of a planning portal – PlanBuild (Stage 1 complete);
• Homes Tasmania Bill.

In addition, the major changes relating to the NCC have been the subject of sustained lobbying. In Tasmania, the government has agreed to adopt a sensible and tailored approach to the two major reforms, energy efficiency and livable housing. We will not consider the new 7-star and ‘whole of house' energy efficiency provisions until NCC 2025. While the new livable housing requirements will not take effect until October 2024. The government has also provided several exemptions and a longer transition period for industry education and adaptation.

Training and Professional Development 

The last 12 months have seen the delivery of a range of courses and training initiatives across the state in conjunction with Keystone Tasmania (training board) and the government. HIA has launched HIA Apprentices, run a highly successful mentoring course and expanded our youthBUILD and Building Women’s programs. These initiatives are designed to attract more people to our industry as a ‘career of first choice’ as well as retain and advance individuals already working in our industry.

The HIA youthBuild ‘work ready’ program is a real success story. It has undergone significant transformation over the last two years and has become a Statewide program. Currently, we have 13 schools participating in the Construction and Architecture Package of Learning. These schools undertake HIA youthBuild electives, providing practical experience and are integrated into the education curriculum. HIA also supports youthBuild schools through the completion of a number of live projects during the year and the provision of industry placements. HIA is also investigating the delivery of Cert II in Construction Pathways as a further option for schools. Two new staff have been funded to help enhance and support this program.

HIA Apprentices is still in its early stages following its launch in the state in early 2022 but has incredible potential to complement youthBuild and other HIA initiatives while building workforce capacity. The scheme focuses on supporting apprentices and trainees from diverse groups and receives funding under the government’s High-Vis Army initiative.

We continue to adapt our training and events to ensure easy access to courses and professional development opportunities. Through a combination of funded online and virtual classroom training as well as webinars, HIA members have enrolled in significantly large numbers. The new ‘on demand’ training launched nationally out of Tasmania will enhance our learning products, provide up-to-date information across business, technical, safety and compliance topics, and be CPD approved. HIA Tasmania has also commenced developing a suite of financial literacy ‘on demand’ training for apprentices. 

Events and activities

Our events are always well attended and provide valuable information to the industry. The popular industry forums held in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie recently offered the opportunity for over 200 members to gain vital information on a range of industry issues, secure CPD points and network. While our Building Women breakfasts recognise the importance of attracting women to our industry and promoting those already successfully operating in construction businesses.

In 2023, HIA plans to introduce some additional networking events to encourage greater interaction between members, industry partners and HIA staff. Naturally, this will include our gala event the HIA-CSR Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards, a second round of industry forums, and an Industry Outlook Breakfast.

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