{{ 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 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 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 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 urges action to back Australian building product manufacturers

Media release

HIA urges action to back Australian building product manufacturers

Media release
HIA is calling on the Federal Government to act urgently to support Australia’s building product manufacturers and suppliers, an industry worth more than $130 billion and critical to the delivery of new housing across the country,” HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin said today.

Ms Martin’s comments come as HIA made a detailed submission to the Treasurer’s Economic Reform Roundtable on behalf of HIA’s National Manufacturers’ Council. The submission outlines key reforms to ease regulatory pressure, stabilise energy policy, address workforce shortages and unlock innovation within the manufacturing industry.

“Australian-made building products are the foundation of every new home,” said Ms Martin.

“But the sector is being held back by red, white and green tape, rising energy costs, and worsening skill shortages.

“Manufacturers are increasingly burdened by overlapping regulations, from planning and environmental rules to complex building code changes.

“Our members want to invest and innovate, but governments must get out of their way and let business get on with business. 

“We’re calling for a national strategy to reduce red tape, reframe energy policy to support affordable and reliable supply, and boost access to skilled workers.

“The sector is facing severe skill shortages not just on building sites, but in the manufacturing plants that produce the materials that go into new homes. 

“Recent HIA analysis found the industry is short over 83,000 tradespeople if it is to meet the government’s 1.2 million homes target by 2029 and the manufacturing sector is under similar pressure.

“We need targeted training programs, streamlined skilled migration pathways, and stronger incentives for employers to take on new workers and trainees.

“HIA’s submission recommends the appointment of a Minister for Red Tape Reduction, targeted support for manufacturers and suppliers to address skill challenges. HIA also proposes the creation of a national Building Innovation Hub to fast-track the adoption of new products, materials and systems.

“With global pressures rising and housing targets looming, now is the time to back Australian manufacturing. This sector is ready to deliver, but it needs the right policy environment to do so,” 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
08 Sep
R&R Quality Homes and Commercial Constructions wins 2025 HIA Northern Victoria Home of the Year award

A beautifully executed renovation and two-storey extension of a 1900s period home in Wangaratta has been named HIA Northern Victoria Home of the Year at the 2025 HIA Northern Victoria Regional Housing Awards, held in Yarrawonga on Friday night.

05 Sep
Up to four years taken off the time to save for a home

“The expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme announced by the Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil MP, to take effect from 1 October 2025, will reduce the time to save a deposit by up to four years,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

02 Sep
Planning approvals ripe for AI overhaul

“Harnessing artificial intelligence to drive a once in a generation overhaul of planning systems across the country could be the circuit breaker Australia needs to deliver 1.2 million homes over next 5 years” said Sam Heckel HIA Executive Director, Planning & Environment.

01 Sep
Structerre Consulting announced as headline partner of the 2025 HIA WA Housing Awards

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to announce Structerre Consulting as the headline partner of the 2025 HIA Western Australian Housing and Kitchen and Bathroom Awards.