{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Solutions for your business Contracts Online Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Industrial relations
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

IGR highlights importance of skilled migration in meeting Australia's housing needs

Media release

IGR highlights importance of skilled migration in meeting Australia's housing needs

Media release
“The latest Intergenerational Report forecasts average GDP growth of just 2.2 per cent per annum over the next 40 years, considerably lower than the 2.6 per cent forecast in the last IGR,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

The Intergenerational Report is the Government’s long-term planning document. It considers the long-term fiscal impact and sustainability of current policies and provides an insight as to how the Government sees the future.

“The downward revision to Australia’s future economic growth is driven by a projected decline in population growth to just 1.1 per cent per annum over the next 40 years, compared to 1.4 per cent over the previous 40 years, and 1.6 per cent in the 15 years before the pandemic,” added Mr Devitt.

“Slowing population growth, combined with the added pressures of an ageing population, will make it harder to find the skills we need.

“Shortages of skilled labour have constrained the home building industry for much of the past 20 years. We need to look at ways to boost the housing sector’s capacity to ensure we are able to meet the Australian Government’s recently announced housing targets.

“This will require the continued training and upskilling of current and future Australian workers in the housing industry, along with access to a steady flow of skilled workers from overseas.

“Skilled migration will not only help us meet our housing demands. It will also help mitigate the effects of Australia’s ageing population on economic growth, productivity and living standards.

“This report highlights that going forward, not only do we need to build more houses, but we need to become more efficient at doing so. Key to doing that will be removing existing barriers to housing investment and homeownership.

“Higher density housing development needs to do more of the heavy lifting to meet our housing needs. This requires planning reforms that support faster delivery. Allowing more people to live close to jobs and transport will have significant benefits in terms of productivity and economic growth, as well as facilitating the efficient use of existing infrastructure. 

“We can’t afford to keep waiting decades to bring new homes on the ground. The predicted slowdown in economic activity in the IGR must not impede the delivery of the 1.2 million homes National Cabinet committed to last week. 

“Given the central role housing plays in the economy, all levels of government must move quickly now to smooth the way for the timely approval and construction of new homes in all forms. Australians have a right to choose where they live, what they live in and, most importantly, be able to find that home at a price they can afford.” 

For more information please contact:

Thomas Devitt

HIA Senior Economist

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
26 Jul
A plan for land is a plan for housing

“Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth are seeing residential land values grow at a rapid rate, while Sydney and Melbourne’s values remain relatively stable,” stated HIA Senior Economist Matt King.

26 Jul
New plumbing and drainage inspection procedures in Huntlee and-North Rothbury area

Plumbing and drainage inspections in the Huntlee and North Rothbury areas are moving from Cessnock City Council to Building Commission NSW.

25 Jul
BASIX transition period ending soon

The BASIX Transition period for eligible signed building contracts will end on 30 September 2024. BASIX Certificates must be generated by this date to apply the pre-1 October 2023 BASIX standards.

23 Jul
Lingering worker shortages see trade rates continue to rise

“As the number of new homes under construction continues to decline builders are reporting fewer difficulties scheduling skilled trades workers on their jobs, although availability of skilled workers remains worse than prior to the pandemic,” stated Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director – Future Workforce.