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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationBudget boost for more tradies and apprentices important step forward
Budget boost for more tradies and apprentices important step forward
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“This includes measures to help attract more apprentices into the industry, fee-free training, streamlining the visa program for in-demand trades and an education and awareness program to assist participants navigate the complex process to be able to work on Australian building sites.
“The Federal Government has committed to a target of building 1.2 million homes over the next five years which HIA broadly supports given Australia’s well documented housing shortages.
“One of the key issues in building these much needed homes are having an adequate workforce and without this the Government will fall well short of its housing target.
“It is therefore pleasing to see the Budget commitment to start to address these skills shortages in our sector as well as the recognition of this as a key area of governments focus going forward.
“We recognise the challenges brought about by the lack of skills won’t be fixed overnight but it’s encouraging to see dedicated Government funding to help bring more workers into the industry.
“HIA lodged our pre-budget submission outlining key initiatives that could be taken to address the skills shortages and it is pleasing that a number of these have been picked as part of today’s announcement.
“Though missing from the announcement, is a key measure the Government should include in the Budget, being the continuation of financial incentives for employers to take on an apprentice.
“Without an employer, there is no apprentice and the financial incentives currently in place that have encouraged the employment of an apprentice and improve retention have proved invaluable to helping the construction industry to access more workers.
“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 employees to take on apprentices alongside the Budget commitments announced today.
“A strong construction workforce is the only way that Australia will ever solve the problem of housing affordability.
“If the Federal Government is to realise its goal of 1.2 million much needed homes in five years HIA strongly recommends the Government adopt the recommendations contained in HIA’s Budget submission and make housing a centrepiece of this year’s Budget,” concluded Ms Martin.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA’s) 2024-2025 Pre-Budget Submission can be downloaded here.
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