{{ 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

Cut to apprentice incentives is a cut to housing

Media release

Cut to apprentice incentives is a cut to housing

Media release
“At a time when builders are facing so much adversity, it is imperative that the Australian Government maintain incentives for tradespeople employing and retaining apprentices,” HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin said today.
“There is obviously a lot of stress currently being felt in the industry, builders will have to make financial decisions for their business, some of which will impact the supply of new apprentices being trained for the workforce.
 
“We acknowledge the Australian Government has committed to a strategic review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System which will take into consideration funding arrangements. However, with submissions to the Review not due until May, presumably followed by a period of consultation, employers will be left in limbo with the current funding arrangements to cease on 30 June 2024. 
 
“Cutting back crucial funding to employers that encourage them to take on apprentices will not only cause a reduction in opportunities for aspiring tradespeople, it will also mean Australia’s dwindling construction labour force will get smaller.
 
“Labour is one of the top issues currently facing the building industry in Australia, and no stone should be left unturned to increase workforce capacity and improve skills shortages if we are to reach the goal of building 1.2 million homes.
 
“Financial incentives which encourage the employment of an apprentice and improve retention have proved invaluable to helping the construction industry to access more workers. 
 
"In addition, apprentice incentive funding opens up opportunities for those who seek a diverse and rewarding career in construction.
 
“At a time when it is critical to avoid anything which will impact the ability to supply homes, HIA is encouraging the Australian Government to maintain the current national funding arrangements for apprentices and employers by a further 12 months while the Review is conducted,” concluded Ms Martin

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
14 Jul
Update on recent HIA advocacy activities

Over the past few weeks HIA has been advocating strongly on behalf of members on a range of policy and regulatory issues that have significant implications for housing supply, business confidence and the capacity of our industry to deliver the homes Australia needs.

14 Jul
Tasmanian builders shouldn't be shut out of housing work over union membership

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has today written to the Tasmanian Government calling for a commitment that state-funded and state-partnered housing work will continue to be awarded on merit, not industrial arrangements, warning new federal procurement rules could shrink the pool of builders able to deliver the homes Tasmania needs.

13 Jul
Rushing Working from Home laws will only lead to more bungling

The Victorian Government continues to push ahead with its Working from Home laws despite the Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) call for it to abandon its proposed legislation, warning the changes would impose additional regulatory pressure on businesses already struggling and kill productivity.

13 Jul
Hobart named Australia's most restrictive city for planning

Hobart has been identified as the most restrictive capital city in Australia for planning, according to the Australian Zoning Atlas, which found 97 per cent of the city's residential land is subject to restrictions that limit new housing.