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Chaired by Simon Croft, HIA Chief Executive, Industry & Policy, the event brought together members and stakeholders, along with Senator Andrew Bragg – Shadow Assistant Minister for Home Ownership, Maria Kovacic, Liberal Senator for New South Wales and the Liberal candidate for the seat of Paterson, Laurence Antcliff.
“Attendees were candid in their discussions, highlighting areas where a future federal government can support the residential building industry. There was a strong focus on both supply and demand matters that are affecting housing affordability,” Mr Jennion said.
“Pleasingly attendees didn’t hold back, and it is clear that there is much that a future federal government can and must do to support the industry to build the volume of housing that the Hunter desperately needs.
“Builders highlighted four key issues that must be addressed that would keep home ownership within reach of everyday Australians. This included:
Addressing the industries chronic skills shortages;
Fast-tracking build ready land and investment in roads, sewers, electricity and water to make this happen;
Cutting the myriad and ever increasing regulatory red tape being embedded on builders; and
Improving financial settings for home ownership to support all Australians into housing.
“HIA today outlined our 2025 federal election campaign titled Let’s Build which goes to the heart of these issues. It advocates for increased support for residential builders, addressing the two decade long workforce issues and putting a pause on further red and green tape which is driving up home building costs.
“Key to addressing the housing crisis, involves all levels of governments making housing in all forms and in all locations a national priority and our election campaign calls on all political parties in this upcoming election to make this commitment and implement long terms reforms to achieve this objective,” concluded Mr Jennion.
Workplace laws are set for more changes in 2026.
Australia’s residential building industry has entered the new year with confidence still on shaky ground for small businesses as rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook.
Tasmania’s housing market slowed in November, with building approvals falling sharply compared to October. Approvals for new homes dropped almost 20 per cent, and even after seasonal adjustment, the decline was 5.8 per cent.
Australia’s home building industry is expected to strengthen through 2026, supported by gradually improving building approvals and a recovery in demand, but the pace of growth will ultimately depend on how quickly interest rates can fall further, according to the Housing Industry Association.