{{ 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
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions 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 Value for money Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code 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 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

New Government must put housing as first order of business

Media release

New Government must put housing as first order of business

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) calls on the newly elected Federal Government to make housing a first-order priority from day one, any delay or political grandstanding will only deepen the nation’s housing crisis,” HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said today.

“HIA would like to congratulate the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and the ALP for securing its term of government and it looks forward to constructively working with them in the new parliament.

“We additionally would like to thank Peter Dutton for his two decades of service to the Australian parliament and equally to Michael Sukkar, who has been a key housing advocate in both government and opposition.
“Access to a home — whether to rent or own — is becoming unattainable for too many Australians. This is a challenge that demands a major response in the first days and weeks of the new term of government.

“HIA has been clear throughout the election campaign that all sides of politics must provide bold and courageous leadership to deliver on the nations critical housing shortages and meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes.

“The industry has laid out the plan — through HIA’s Let’s Build agenda — to fast-track planning, unlock land, invest in infrastructure, and build the skilled workforce needed to deliver the homes Australia needs,” said Ms Martin.

“Too often, we see housing policy used as a platform to showboat rather than solve real problems. Australians want practical and meaningful reform. Holding housing legislation hostage to political theatre only pushes the dream of home ownership further out of reach.

Ms Martin also pushed back against any suggestion that the housing crisis lies outside the Federal Government’s remit.

“We’ve heard it too often — that housing and planning is a state issue, or that the Commonwealth has limited levers to pull. That excuse simply doesn’t stack up anymore.

“The Federal Government has the influence, the resources and the leadership role to bring all levels of government together. It can drive the coordinated policy, funding and reform needed to  move the dial on supply and affordability — not just tinker at the edges.

“This was reinforced in yesterday’s election results and with voters outlining housing as a key issue to be addressed as a matter of priority. We urge the new Government and the entire Parliament to work together to implement the solutions already on the table.

“Housing Australians must not become a casualty of politics-as-usual. We can’t afford more years of delay and stalling of key policies being implemented - we need action within weeks not years,” concluded Ms Martin.

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
25 Jun
Buyer Protection laws start 1 July 2026 – what you need to know

The new Buyer Protection laws will start on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 after an extraordinarily challenging process with numerous last-minute changes. HIA is providing this Member Alert to help members navigate the key ‘need to know’ on these new laws, with more detailed material to follow.

25 Jun
$20,000 First Home Owner Grant locked in for Tasmania

The Tasmanian Parliament has passed the First Home Owner Grant Amendment Bill 2026, confirming a $20,000 grant for eligible first home buyers who contract to build a new home.

25 Jun
Builders want to build homes not data centres

HIA is concerned about proposals to construct data centres on land earmarked for housing development.

25 Jun
Government must release data on fall in housing supply from super tax changes

"Treasury modelled the adverse impact of changes to taxation of Negative Gearing and CGT the Budget on housing supply. The Government should now provide the same level of analysis on the impact of restricting SMSF investment in residential housing,” stated HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.