“The negative impact of the former government’s BPICs policy on the ability of the industry to deliver high rise residential towers has been dramatic,” said HIA Executive Director Queensland, Michael Roberts.

“If we want to build more homes in Queensland quickly, and especially more residential towers, productivity within the industry must improve.

“HIA welcomes today’s announcement of an immediate pause on the industrial relations provisions of Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPICs).

“HIA has argued on behalf of members for some time that provisions contained in BPICs are a drag on productivity in the building industry, and are contributing to higher costs, longer construction timelines and lower supply of much-needed new homes, especially in the development of unit towers.

“We have asked and lobbied for a curbing or abolition of BPICs in our published election priorities, and any moves in this direction will be welcomed in the home building industry,” Mr Roberts said.

“We note that the announced pause will not apply to existing contracts, or to workplace safety or apprentice training provisions, ensuring continuity and certainty where it’s needed.

“The speed with which the new government has acted to announce changes is an indication of the urgency attached to increasing supply of new homes.

“Our latest numbers released this week show home construction commencements are on the increase in Queensland, and we project ongoing increases over the next five years, but it is the apartment sector and in particular the high-rise apartment sector that is underperforming. We simply must build more. 

“We are very keen to see further increased productivity contributing more to industry growth, and to building the new homes that Queensland needs to address the housing crisis over the coming decade,” Mr Roberts said. 

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