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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationNSW President's report
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Gary Walker
HIA NSW President
The third quarter of 2024 has been a busy period for the HIA policy team. The NSW Government has been very active on the regulatory front as parliamentary sitting days start running out for the year, and they scramble to meet self-imposed deadline announcements.
In a win for HIA, the draft Building Bills that the state government were rushing to table in parliament before the end of the year have been paused. The Bills intended to replace the current NSW Home Building Act were substantial, and the proposed time frames offered little opportunity for industry consultation. It is expected the Bills will be tabled in 2025.
New laws have been announced concerning the use of products containing 1 per cent or more crystalline silica. These regulations will come into effect on September 1, 2024. They will affect activities such as cutting floor and wall tiles, grinding concrete, trimming bricks or roof tiles, and drilling autoclaved aerated concrete or fibre cement sheeting. These changes may significantly impact how builders handle silica-containing products onsite. The timing of this announcement is particularly concerning, as it provides the NSW industry with very little time to adapt. In response, HIA has advocated for a detailed implementation plan and increased support and guidance for the industry. Members are urged to stay updated via the HIA website and communications.
HIA members were front and centre, providing input to the NSW Productivity Commissioner’s review into non-planning barriers to housing supply. The report was released in early September, and most concerns of HIA members were addressed. The report provided 32 recommendations to address these concerns and make the NSW regulatory system more pro-housing. Key barriers identified included:
- Rapid changes to building regulation
- Amendments to the National Construction Code and associated costs
- Ancillary local council requirements and approvals
- Limited opportunity for builders to upskill
- Labour supply shortage
The NSW Cabinet is now reviewing the recommendations, and we await the official government response.
In August, the NSW HIA Apprentice Awards night provided a fantastic opportunity to recognise the exceptional talent emerging in our industry. It was a pleasure to see the outstanding young professionals receiving awards. Congratulations to:
- Shayla Moerman from Fresh Start Constructions (1st Year Apprentice)
- Sehjin (Paul) Lee from Eden Brae Homes (2nd Year Apprentice)
- Bradley Johnson from The Perfect Space Design + Build (3rd Year Apprentice)
- Kaden Peat from Benja Build (4th Year Apprentice)
These talented apprentices are now finalists for the prestigious HIA NSW Roger Pysden Apprentice of the Year award, which will be announced at the 2024 HIA-CSR NSW Housing and Kitchen and Bathroom Awards in November. Their achievements highlight the bright future of our industry and the promising new talent that will drive it forward.
The 2024 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards were also held in August. NSW was lucky enough to walk away with two key wins. Congratulations to Joe Mercieca for picking up the HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional Award and Sowden Building Solutions won the 2024 HIA Australian GreenSmart Renovation/Addition Project.
I enjoyed meeting members face-to-face at the August HIA-Companion Systems Building & Business function. It was great to have Matt Press, Acting NSW Building Commissioner, deliver the keynote address. The day was informative, with members hearing from industry experts and regulators regarding building site compliance, defects, management and supervision. The final guest speaker was National Rugby League Hall of Famer Andrew Johns, who discussed his career highs and lows with our NSW Deputy Regional Director, Brad Armitage.
Business conditions in residential construction remain challenging across the state. It’s a time when we must all remain vigilant. I urge members to stay up to date with industry changes through HIA communications and member alerts, and please reach out on any matters you are uncertain about. Above all, remain safe.