TAS President's report

With the Housing Awards just around the corner, I am reminded that my first year as Tasmanian President is quickly coming to an end. Meeting with members and working alongside HIA staff to try and make a real difference in our industry has been eye-opening for me.

I recently attended the statewide industry forums, allowing me to learn more about the members’ challenges. These events have served me well in gaining a better understanding of industry pressure points and provided me with critical information to inform our government advocacy efforts.

Armed with this information, our Executive Director Stuart Collins and I met with Nic Street, Minister for Housing and Construction, to provide an incoming brief on improvements to housing supply and affordability. We also met with Eleri Thomas-Morgan, the CEO of Homes Tasmania, and Rebecca White, the Opposition Leader, to discuss the same issues. Stuart and I have been able to highlight a number of key initiatives, including: 

• incentivisation (and making the local government accountable) of local housing targets
• adoption of genuine private planning certification
• prioritisation and streamlining of significant housing projects
• provision of a targeted medium-density residential code
• investment in trade skills
• utilisation of the private sector to help deliver social and affordable homes
• development of a land supply strategy.

The government is listening, and our industry is finally getting some traction on these issues. I am determined to see as many of these positive reforms as possible implemented before my tenure is up. 

As President, I have also discovered that there is much more to our organisation than just industry policy. The daily advice that helps our members to run their businesses safely, efficiently, and compliantly is invaluable. However, to remain at the top of our game, we must be agile and ready to respond.  Our Regional Executive Committee discussed this at its last meeting, considering what a relevant and vibrant housing industry association would look like by 2025.

While there was strong acknowledgment of HIA’s tireless work and achievements and recognition of the need to maintain our core services and advocacy success, other themes emerged. This included investment in digital capability, better engagement with a younger workforce, ongoing professional development and hybrid training, new membership structures, more opportunities for face-to-face networking, and expansion of services into new industry sectors. 

This all helps us to plan to ensure we remain the voice of industry and your indispensable business partner.
 
I look forward to reporting on new initiatives and changes that enhance HIA’s offerings based on member feedback over the coming months. In the meantime, I will continue to advocate passionately for you, our members and the industry.

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