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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Industry heads come together in Shortland (Hunter)

Media release

Industry heads come together in Shortland (Hunter)

Media release
“With the 2025 federal election to be called shortly, HIA hosted a local housing roundtable in the seat of Shortland today to discuss challenges the residential construction sector is facing in what is shaping as the key issue leading into the election,” said Craig Jennion, HIA Executive Director Hunter.

Chaired by Simon Croft, HIA Chief Executive, Industry & Policy, the event brought together a group of leading local HIA members, along with Senator Maria Kovacic and the Liberal candidate for the seat of Shortland, Emma King.

“A broad spectrum of industry practitioners, including builders, renovators, manufacturers, land developers, planners, surveyors and professional service providers were all in attendance. 

“Attendees were forthright in their discussions, highlighting areas where a future federal government can and must support the residential building industry. 

“There was a strong focus on both supply and demand matters that are affecting housing affordability and the need to support local businesses across the Hunter to meet the growing housing demand that is effecting all facets of society,” Mr Jennion said. 

“Attendees highlighted a range of issues that must be addressed to 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 small businesses; 
  • Reducing the exorbitant and dramatically increasing taxes and regulatory imposts on new home and apartment building; and
  • Improving financial settings to address declining rates of home ownership. 

“HIA’s 2025 federal election campaign titled Let’s Build goes to the heart of these issues. 

“It advocates for increased support for industry, addressing the two decade long workforce issues and putting a pause on further red and green tape which is driving up home building costs. 

“It is clear that while there have been some positive moves to boost housing supply, all agreed much more is needed from the next federal government and that keeping on with business as usual solutions to solve the nations and the Hunter regions housing crisis won’t cut it,” concluded Mr Jennion.

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

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