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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

More funding to attract certifiers and speed up licence processing times is a positive step forward

Media release

More funding to attract certifiers and speed up licence processing times is a positive step forward

Media release
“HIA welcomes the injection of funds from the NSW government to help speed up the granting of building trade licences and improve the number of building certifiers,” said Brad Armitage, HIA Executive Director NSW.

“Application processing times for building and trade contractor licences are taking much longer than they did 6-7 years ago. The current estimated processing time for an individual builder contractor licence is 14 weeks. This was about a 6–8-week processing time in 2018. 

“It was taking way too long for Building Commission NSW to issue building licences. This means builders and tradespeople cannot enter contracts for home building works or start works as quickly as they would like,” added Mr Armitage. 

“Further, with greater building activity, more certifiers will be needed to certify the proposed 377,000 homes to be built by 2029. Initiatives that attract more certifiers to the industry and quicker, as well as those aimed at retaining existing certifiers are essential to ensure we have enough certifiers. 

“HIA has been asking the NSW Government to take action to improve the licence approval processing times and it is great to see that finally occur. The industry is still facing a significant shortage of skilled trades and more needs to be done to address the gaps. HIA will continue to work with the government to ensure we have the skilled workers we need to help get keys in doors,” concluded Mr Armitage. 

For more information please contact:

Brad Armitage

Executive Director – NSW
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