{{ 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 Advertise jobs 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 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 Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
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 2025 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

HIA housing roundtable hits Hunter seat of Paterson

Media release

HIA housing roundtable hits Hunter seat of Paterson

Media release
“Ahead of the 2025 federal election, HIA hosted a local housing roundtable in Maitland today to discuss concerns regarding housing challenges ahead of this year’s federal election,” said Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director.

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.

HIA Let’s Build

For more information please contact:

Craig Jennion

Executive Director - Hunter

P: (02) 4014 2000
M: 0414 872 090
E: c.jennion@hia.com.au

For social media commentary from Craig Jennion: HIA Hunter Twitter

Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
19 Jun
Population data highlights contradiction in government policy

“Australia’s population reached 27.4 million by the end of 2024, up by 445,900 people, or 1.7 per cent for the year,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.

19 Jun
Tasmanian Election - Stadium or no stadium we still need housing

The Tasmanian election that no-one wanted to have is in full swing, and while the limited campaign period is unlikely to provide the usual platform to promote key policies and reforms, HIA is calling on both major parties to prioritise housing policies given the significant challenges across the state.

19 Jun
‘Getting Keys in Doors’ shouldn’t be this difficult

“Our dated and complex planning system is littered with speed bumps that could easily be removed”, said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.

18 Jun
New home building contract laws welcomed by HIA

“The Victorian government’s proposal to update home building contract laws to make them fit for use in the 21st century is welcomed by HIA,” stated HIA Executive Director, Keith Ryan.