{{ 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 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 Value for money Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
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

National Skills Agreement critical to grow the construction workforce

Media release

National Skills Agreement critical to grow the construction workforce

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the National Cabinet’s announcement of the National Skills Agreement. The Agreement promises to invest $12.6 billion to expand and transform the VET sector to deliver quality training and reforms which address our critical skills needs,” said Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.

“Earlier this year National Cabinet committed to building 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years. To build these much needed homes, it is critical that we have the key skills and workforce in place to enable us to achieve this target.

“This investment is a key plank in addressing the skills shortages, strengthening our VET sector and training and upskilling workers into national priority areas including construction.

“Part of this agreement includes the establishment of nationally networked Centres of Excellence involving partnerships between TAFEs, universities, Jobs and Skills Councils and industry,” added Ms Martin.

Whilst broadly supportive of these targeted ‘Centres of Excellence’ which can focus on key skills gaps, HIA stresses the importance of the Australian Government broadening the focus beyond TAFE’s to also recognise the key role played by industry specific training organisations. 

These organisations deliver training developed by industry for industry and also have the capacity to deliver targeted skills in regional areas.

Included in the $12.6 billion funding is $100 million to support, grow and retain a quality VET workforce, $250 million to improve VET completions including women and others who face completion challenges and $142 million to improve foundation skills training capacity, quality and accessibility.

“The National Skills Agreement promises to deliver much needed changes to the VET system and the opportunity to target skills and reforms which will make a difference to our industry and our capacity to deliver on the Government’s plan to build 1.2 million homes,” concluded Ms Martin.

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Geordan Murray

Executive Director - ACT/Southern NSW
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
02 Jul
Simplified R-Codes announced for WA

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed today's announcement by the Western Australian Government to reform the State's Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), describing it as an important step towards a simpler, more responsive, and efficient planning system.

01 Jul
Clarification on building permit fee changes

Following the announcement by Building and Energy on 30 June 2026 of revised building approval fees, HIA has sought clarification regarding the practical impact on residential building projects.

01 Jul
Housing industry unites to warn government the SMSF decision will reduce new housing supply

The following is a joint media release from the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) and Property Council of Australia.

01 Jul
Tasmanian building approvals pick up but construction starts lag well behind decade average

New ABS data released today shows Tasmanian building approvals for new homes increased by 20.8 per cent in the month of May 2026 to 319.