“HIA has consistently recognised that tackling housing supply requires a multi disciplined approach across all levels of government. Today’s outcome of the National Cabinet meeting in Brisbane was a significant step towards reforming the planning system and committing to build more homes.

“The Government’s target of 1.2 million homes over five years is ambitious but is needed if we are going to meet current and future demands for housing and keep housing affordable.

“All the economic indicators are pointing to a slowdown in the commencement of new homes. Since the first increase in the cash rate, sales of new homes have fallen sharply and are 41.8 percent lower than at the same time last year and 26.2 per cent lower than at the same time in 2019.

“HIA’s Economic and Industry Outlook report released on Tuesday shows detached housing starts are expected to fall from a peak of 149,300 in June 2021 to just 95,370 in 2024, the lowest number since 2012. Multi-unit commencements in 2022 were at a decade low at 63,510 and experienced only a modest increase in 2023 at 69,680.

“The Government’s announcement today including the New Home Bonus, the Housing Support Program and the National Planning Blueprint hits right at the heart of the issues which need to be addressed.

“These plans are ambitious. Local councils will need to be prepared to deliver shovel ready land at an affordable price. This is not something that has been easy to achieve in the past.

“HIA calls on all levels of Government to take the housing supply issue seriously and commit to passing the legislation and staying the course with these new initiatives,” Ms Martin said.

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