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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

SA President's report

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Review 2025’s construction industry challenges and wins, from scrap metal legislation to housing policy changes, and look ahead to 2026 and the upcoming state election.

Peter McIndoe

HIA South Australia President

I’m sure you’ve had this conversation with colleagues recently. Where did that year go? It’s hard to believe that we are waving 2025 goodbye. But here we are, ready to roll into 2026.

We have had our share of challenges this year; we have also had a few wins, especially the change to scrap metal merchant legislation and more recently the withdrawal of bill that would have seen an increase in the size of garages at the expense of the size of the home.

I hope this is the last we will see of this bill, however we do face a state election on the 21st of March next year and you can bet housing policy will be one of the key platforms in the campaign.

I would like to thank Stephen Knight and the HIA policy team for their strong policy advocacy for our members throughout the year.

Nationally, the federal government launched its 5% deposit scheme on 1 October, with a goal to get more first home buyers into their own home. That has seen some uplift in customer inquiry and more new builds in 2026.

As we close out 2025, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Regional Executive Committee to thank all team members of the HIA for their commitment to driving good outcomes for our industry and thank you also to the members of our subcommittees.

There have been many events held this year culminating with the HIA housing awards, congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to the events team.

As we prepare to close down for the Christmas break, please keep safety a priority as you finalise your last jobs, we want everyone that works for us or on our sites to go home safely. 

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas, remember for some this is a challenging time of year so reach out and check in on your teams, friends and family.

I look forward to working with you in 2026. Merry Christmas.

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