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

HIA calls for urgent insurance and contracts reforms

Media release

HIA calls for urgent insurance and contracts reforms

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association calls for the Victorian government to urgently complete reviews of domestic building insurance and contract rules in Victoria” HIA Executive Director, Victoria, Keith Ryan said today.

“The Victorian government released its Housing Statement last year and has a target of building 800,000 homes in ten years.  HIA supports the government’s objective to increase housing supply by building more homes but the uncertainty on future building insurance and contract rules is causing unnecessary stress for the industry.”

“It was confirmed yesterday that over the past 12 months there has been a significant decline in housing approvals across the state.  New home sales have also been weak.  This makes the government’s target more difficult to achieve.”

“Home builders want the Victorian government to achieve the target.  They want to build more homes, but they need to have government policy settings that help them remain financially stable and secure.”

“First, home builders and consumers need better access to domestic building insurance (DBI).  Recent premium increases and restrictions on builder’s capacity to get DBI are preventing some consumers and builders from being able to enter into home building and renovation contracts.”

“Second, the legislation that regulates the contracts between consumers and builders is antiquated and not fit for purpose.  This legislation not only fails to adequately protect consumers but also imposes unnecessary restrictions on home builders.“

“The government completed a public consultation process on a review of the Domestic Building Contracts Act over five months ago.  Since then, we have seen little to no progress on this review.”

“It is acknowledged that the current environment of low sales and approvals is caused mainly by high interest rates and low consumer confidence.  This will however change and as Victoria’s population continues to grow and pent-up demand for housing increases. “

“When consumer confidence returns and sales increase the Victorian government needs to ensure that better domestic building insurance arrangements and home building contract legislation are already in place to support both homeowners and builders” concluded Mr Ryan.

For more information please contact:

Keith Ryan

Executive Director - Victoria

Steven Wojtkiw

Deputy Executive Director - Victoria
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
24 Aug
Queensland building leader Jodie McKenna crowned HIA Building Woman of the Year

Queensland’s home building industry gathered in celebration as the 12th annual HIA Queensland Building Women Awards honoured outstanding achievement, leadership and influence, shining a spotlight on the remarkable contribution women are making to building more homes across the state.

24 Aug
Regional housing must be a top priority for Victoria's next Government

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) will bring together industry leaders, businesses, community representatives and policymakers in Ballarat on Tuesday for a regional housing roundtable focused on the critical role housing will play in supporting the future growth and prosperity of regional Victoria.

21 Aug
Preventing Pipe Failure Starts Below Ground

The HIA has been advised that due to an increase of plumbing audit inspection failures, from the 1st of September, the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) will be further policing non-compliance in the installation of sanitary plumbing and drainage pipework, namely the bedding of sanitary drainage pipes.

21 Aug
Senate Inquiry must focus on delivering more housing, not more reports

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the establishment of the Senate Economics References Committee Inquiry into social housing, describing it as an important opportunity to identify the reforms needed to deliver more housing of all forms at scale and address the bottlenecks holding back housing supply broadly.