{{ 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 Tradepass Advertise jobs 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 Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes 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 Maintaining 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 Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
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 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online 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

NSW Productivity Commission Report highlights critical housing supply barriers

Media release

NSW Productivity Commission Report highlights critical housing supply barriers

Media release
HIA welcomes today’s report from the NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner, Peter Achterstraat AM, review of housing supply challenges and policy options for New South Wales. The report shines a light on some of the critical barriers to housing supply in this state.

HIA and our members provided significant input to the Commission to support the preparation of the report, “I applaud the Commissioner for listening to feedback from actual builders on the ground and giving them the opportunity to provide input into a review of this nature,” said David Bare HIA Executive Director NSW. 

“The report picks up on many of the core issues facing the construction industry; and brings more focus on what the government needs to do to support the industry to deliver housing supply for NSW. We are pleased to see many of our positions reflected in the recommendations from the Productivity and Equality Commission report.”

This includes the need to:  

Make developments more feasible, including those within the transport-oriented development zones.

  • Streamline the development assessment process by reducing bottlenecks, including post-DA approvals.
  • Create a pro-housing regulatory environment by relaxing requirements for complying development and pausing further changes to building codes or standards that add to construction costs unless there is an overriding need to address defects or public safety.
  • Supporting the development of a larger skilled labour workforce through initiatives such as targeted skilled migration, recognition of overseas qualifications, and training reform.

“Despite an initial intention to focus on non-planning barriers, it is clear the Commissioner could not ignore the current issues within the NSW planning system that stifle development and limit the potential of recent housing supply initiatives such as Transport-Oriented Development. 

“Whilst the Commissioner’s earlier reports have been focused on higher density in established areas, there is no doubt it is critical we have an equally strong focus on greenfield development to deliver the housing supply we need. HIA believes there needs to be a focus on increasing housing supply across the housing continuum, rather than focusing on one housing segment.

“The challenge is now with Premier Minns to see how many of these recommendations will be adopted and how quickly they can be implemented by his government,” Mr Bare concluded.

For more information please contact:

David Bare

Former Executive Director - NSW
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
11 Mar
Off-the-Plan Contracts and Obsolete Restrictive Covenants

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) takes this opportunity to respond to the Discussion Paper (Paper) on the review of Contracts and Covenants released by the Office of Registrar General on 22 January 2025. The Paper explores potential reforms to laws governing off-the-plan contracts and covenants.

10 Mar
What is the minimum upstand for external waterproofing?

AS 4654.2 specifies the design and installation requirements for external waterproofing. An upstand is an important part of a system to prevent water entry - but how high should the upstand be? Find out more.

07 Mar
A concrete plan to boost number of women in construction is needed beyond pink hi-vis and toilets

“Too often we continue to see announcements to increase the number of women in construction, which involve donning pink hi-vis', walking around a building site and then talking about more site toilets,” said Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.

06 Mar
Signs of housing supply life in unit approvals (NSW)

“The volume of unit approvals in the three months to January 2025 was nearly double what it was in the same period a year ago,” stated HIA Executive Director, NSW, Brad Armitage.