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“Today’s decision will be welcomed by many, including many aspiring homeowners who, with renewed confidence, will re-enter the market and build their own home,” added Mr Reardon.
“While today’s decision could act as a catalyst for more on-the-ground home building activity, it will not be sufficient to achieve the Australian government’s target of 1.2 million homes over five years.
“Even with the ongoing expectation of cuts later in the year, there are far more important structural reforms required of policymakers for Australia to address its housing crisis.
“Up to half the cost of a house and land package in Australia is because of government taxes, costs and restrictions.
“Tax reform must address the burden of stamp duty on aspiring homeowners and the punitive surcharges imposed on the very investors needed to address Australia’s rental crisis.
“Shovel-ready land and associated infrastructure, especially transport and utilities, need to be brought to market faster.
“Planning frameworks need to be more accommodative of higher density housing and approvals processes need to be streamlined and simplified.
“Crucially, Australia needs the workforce to build 1.2 million homes over five years. HIA estimates this will require an extra 83,000 workers in key construction trades – a 30 per cent boost on the current workforce.
“The skilled migration system needs to be simplified and fit-for-purpose and there needs to be an ongoing domestic workforce development plan that supports apprentices, the public and private organisations that train them, and the businesses that supervise and provide on-site experience for them.
“Failure to address these constraints on home building will not only fail to address Australia’s housing crisis but also act as a major drag on economic growth, productivity and living standards,” concluded Mr Reardon.
Workplace laws are set for more changes in 2026.
Australia’s residential building industry has entered the new year with confidence still on shaky ground for small businesses as rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook.
Tasmania’s housing market slowed in November, with building approvals falling sharply compared to October. Approvals for new homes dropped almost 20 per cent, and even after seasonal adjustment, the decline was 5.8 per cent.
Australia’s home building industry is expected to strengthen through 2026, supported by gradually improving building approvals and a recovery in demand, but the pace of growth will ultimately depend on how quickly interest rates can fall further, according to the Housing Industry Association.