{{ 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
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan 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 Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code 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 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

Skilled Migration crucial: HIA

Media release

Skilled Migration crucial: HIA

Media release
“Recent population growth directly links to our housing needs. Without a clear policy on skilled migration for both the short and long term, it is extremely difficult for the home building industry to prepare and meet the demand for housing which is already at crushing highs,” said Jocelyn Martin HIA Deputy Managing Director, Policy and Industry.
“Population growth has always been a fundamental part of Australia’s economic and social development, and governments need to devise a targeted policy that attracts skilled migrants to work in the building sector to also meet the required number of homes.

“There is an important role for skilled migration to increase skilled trades workers, particularly where acute demand emerges, as is presently the case. 

“The building trades are included on the list of eligible occupations, but there is very little take up within the construction industry, particularly the residential building industry. 

“But the residential building industry requires migration pathways to enable the long-term structural shortage of workers to be addressed through permanent migration, and to enable industry to recruit skilled workers for short periods.

“Several aspects of the permanent and short term visas render them impractical for use by residential building businesses.

“In its Federal Budget submission, HIA is urging government to consult with industry to develop a visa that will enable the residential building industry to alleviate trade shortages through skilled migration.

“Australia should promote and maintain a population growth rate sufficient to secure ongoing growth in Australia’s economic performance, workforce capacity, national productivity and standard of living,” concluded Ms Martin. 

For more information please contact:

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
29 May
Closing Loopholes Independent Statutory Review Draft Report

HIA has provided a further submission to the Closing the Loopholes Statutory Review on the release of the Draft Report, challenging the appropriateness of the government’s workplace relations reforms.

28 May
HIA launches 2026 Victorian State Election Policy Agenda

Today HIA launched its 2026 Victorian State Election Policy Agenda that calls on all political parties to commit to meaningful steps that will improve the challenging and uncertain environment for all who work in and rely on Victoria’s vitally important home building industry.

28 May
Molonglo Town Centre Master Plan progress but immediate barriers remain

The ACT Government’s release of the Molonglo Town Centre Master Plan signals progress on one of Canberra’s key future growth areas, but for builders and developers, the reality is that this project will do little to improve current market conditions or near-term housing supply.

28 May
HIA welcomes NCC pause Bill passing Parliament

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the passage of the Building Amendment Bill 2026 through the Tasmanian Parliament today, while noting that the final form of the legislation delivers a more limited outcome than originally proposed.