{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Support & guidance Ask an expert Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards 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 Communication for 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
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
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 2026 Australian Home of the Year 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

Energy security for Australian building product manufacturing

The guiding principles set out a general position in relation to the security of energy supply in particular for building product manufacturers. HIA will develop this position over time.

HIA’s Position statement

  1. Energy prices
    • Energy prices must be maintained at a level where Australian building product manufacturers is internationally competitive.
  2. Balancing supply
    • When supply is tight, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) should be charged with balancing the market so as to ensure supply is maintained to the domestic market (at the expense of the export market if necessary).
  3. Secure energy
  4. Supply governments should:

    • Ensure that the transition from emission intensive energy sources to renewable energy sources is appropriately managed to limit negative impacts on the price of Australian building products and materials.
    • Provide incentives to encourage exploration and the development of new energy sources that can maintain affordable energy prices for Australian building product manufacturing businesses.

Background

The security of Australia’s energy network to ensure both home owners and businesses have access to consistent and affordable power supply has become a key policy issue for the foreseeable future.

In particular, the impact of increasing gas prices and the uncertainty of supply for local building product manufacturers has become one of the biggest threats to Australian manufacturing.

HIA’s National Manufacturers Council members have expressed considerable concern about the status of energy supply in Australia, particularly as it relates to the security of current and future supply and energy pricing for their businesses.

The failure of governments to respond to the deterioration in conditions over the past 24 months is a concern for all Australian manufacturing, but in particular for building products.

Australian building product manufacturers are faced with uncertainty in managing the quantum of energy price increases on their businesses, the impact on their manufacturing costs, comparisons against competing imported products, and their lack of confidence in the security of future affordable and reliable supply.

Lack of energy supply security and rising prices have put Australian manufacturers of building products at a significant competitive disadvantage, especially as many are ‘trade exposed’ to imports that do not always meet Australian building conformance standards. This is now impacting on investment in new facilities and innovation in Australia.

Share with your network:
More articles on:
{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!
HIA Advocacy
View all $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
31 Jul
State-wide Flood Hazard Code Amendment

HIA commented on the proposed State-wide Flood Hazard Code Amendment and welcomes the significant reduction in the application of the Hazards (Flooding – Evidence Required) Overlay through improved flood studies and more detailed mapping.

31 Jul
Minimum tax on discretionary trusts discussion paper

HIA took the following broad position on the Australian Government’s minimum tax on discretionary trusts consultation paper: if Treasury's own analysis concludes these tax measures increase the cost of doing business and require separate policies to offset their effects and offer restructuring relief, it is difficult to justify the objective of implementing this high minimum tax rate on discretionary trusts.

30 Jul
EIE – Standard and model conditions of consent

HIA commented on the Explanation of Intended Effect for Standard and model conditions of consent (the EIE). It is understood the EIE explains the proposed amendments to State Environmental Planning Policy 2021 that will give effect to consistent conditions of consent for residential development across the state.

29 Jul
Improving development assessment – Discussion paper

HIA supports the measures proposed in the discussion paper to enable consent authorities to assess development applications (DAs) more efficiently and consistently, and to reduce the escalating requests for further information from applicants.

28 Jul
Statutory Review of Industrial Manslaughter Offence

HIA provided feedback in response to the statutory review of the industrial manslaughter provisions that were introduced to the Work Health and Safety Act (2011) (WHS Act) in 2024.

28 Jul
QLD Building & Construction Code – Counsel Assisting's further submissions and draft implementation guidelines

HIA has provided a further response in relation to the Commission of Inquiry into the CFMEU and Misconduct in the Construction Industry and the proposed draft Qld Building Code of Practice and introduction of an Independent Regulator.