{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationBuilding trades remain in high demand
Building trades remain in high demand
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
The HIA Trades Report released today provides a quarterly review of the availability of skilled trades and any demand pressures on trades operating in the residential building industry. The HIA Trades Index declined from -0.69 to -0.84 in the December 2021 quarter, with any number below zero indicating a skills shortage.
“A boom in detached house construction and renovations has seen demand for land, labour and materials skyrocket. These constraints have pushed out construction timeframes. As a result, skilled trades are expected to be in high demand throughout 2022 and into 2023,” added Ms Lillicrap.
“Skilled migration is the pivotal to alleviate the pressure on skilled trades in the short-term.
“While permanent and short-term visas are part of Australia’s skilled migration program and the building trades that have been in the most acute shortages are included on lists of eligible occupations, there has been very little take up within the construction industry, particularly the residential building industry.
“Several aspects of these visas render them impractical for use by residential building businesses.
“HIA’s 2022-2023 Pre-Budget Submission recommends that the government consult with industry to develop a visa that will enable the residential building industry to alleviate trade shortages through skilled migration.
“All trades recorded a deterioration in availability during the December 2021 quarter. Bricklaying, carpentry, joinery, roofing, general building and other trades have reported the most severe shortages on record.
“Brisbane, Regional Queensland and Regional Western Australia reported a small quarterly improvement in the availability of trades. These small improvements reflect quarterly volatility, not a material improvement in the supply of trades. All areas continue to report a severe shortage of skilled trades,” concluded Ms Lillicrap.
For more information please contact:
Housing Industry Association National Policy Congress Communique
The Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) National Policy Congress (NPC) met on the Gold Coast on 16 April 2026 for its annual meeting. The NPC comprises elected representatives from regions across Australia, together with the Chairs of HIA’s eight specialist committees.
HIA recognises long standing member with prestigious industry award
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has honoured one of its most respected and long‑standing members, Graham Walker, as the 2026 recipient of the Sir Phillip Lynch Award of Excellence – acknowledging decades of outstanding service to both HIA and the broader residential building industry.
Victorian government announces new Cabinet
The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, has today announced a new Cabinet following the announcement earlier this week that several long-time MPs will retire from the Ministry and the Parliament at the end of the year.
New Victorian Building Minister must delay building code changes
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) congratulates Nick Staikos on his appointment as the new Victorian Minister for Housing and Building and suggests he gets an early win on the board by immediately announcing a delay to the implementation of National Construction Code (NCC) changes due to commence on 1 May 2026.