{{ 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
Support & guidance Ask an expert Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards 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 For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards 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

Housing progress at roundtable important but more work to do

Media release

Housing progress at roundtable important but more work to do

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to see housing feature prominently at this week’s Economic Reform Roundtable particularly on cutting excessive red tape and streamlining environmental approvals, but as Treasurer Jim Chalmers has indicated more work is needed on easing housing construction,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.

“Australia is in a housing crisis and all solutions to solving this critical once in a generation issue, must be on the agenda. Out of all these discussions we need a recommitment to the Housing Accord at the highest level. This provides a framework under which to have a national discussion about the number of homes we need and the barriers preventing us from building them.

“It has been encouraging to see both major parties at their respective meetings this week talking about the need for targeted actions to boost housing supply but goodwill and commitments to do more does not get keys in doors, we need firm action.

“A pause on further major changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) and reviewing the role and function of the ABCB who develops the code is an important first step, as the NCC has grown exponentially in volume and complexity over the past decade. A reset on the way the NCC is developed and implemented is critically needed. 

“The Government has committed to reforming the EPBC Act as a priority policy item which industry broadly welcomes.

“Clearing the significant backlog of projects stuck awaiting environmental approvals must be first order business and this could unlock hundreds of thousands of homes and needs bi-partisan support.  

“Another critical area that need targeted attention is investment for ‘last mile’ infrastructure to build the roads, sewers, energy supply and water infrastructure, getting shovel ready land to market faster.

“Skills shortages continue to be one of if not the most pressing issue faced by builders. The aspiration of the Government’s housing target will only be achieved if we have all hands on deck. 

“HIA has been encouraged by the level and depth of engagement the Government has had with industry in the lead up to the Economic Reform Roundtable which clearly demonstrates a desire to place housing high on the agenda. But we will need to see real action out of these discussions.
“Industry is now demanding that real and meaningful reform actions on the well established issues facing our sector are committed to with bipartisan support and clear timelines are agreed to and developed with industry and for industry, “concluded Ms Martin.

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Simon Croft

Chief Executive - Industry & Policy
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
24 Aug
Queensland building leader Jodie McKenna crowned HIA Building Woman of the Year

Queensland’s home building industry gathered in celebration as the 12th annual HIA Queensland Building Women Awards honoured outstanding achievement, leadership and influence, shining a spotlight on the remarkable contribution women are making to building more homes across the state.

24 Aug
Regional housing must be a top priority for Victoria's next Government

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) will bring together industry leaders, businesses, community representatives and policymakers in Ballarat on Tuesday for a regional housing roundtable focused on the critical role housing will play in supporting the future growth and prosperity of regional Victoria.

21 Aug
Preventing Pipe Failure Starts Below Ground

The HIA has been advised that due to an increase of plumbing audit inspection failures, from the 1st of September, the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) will be further policing non-compliance in the installation of sanitary plumbing and drainage pipework, namely the bedding of sanitary drainage pipes.

21 Aug
Senate Inquiry must focus on delivering more housing, not more reports

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the establishment of the Senate Economics References Committee Inquiry into social housing, describing it as an important opportunity to identify the reforms needed to deliver more housing of all forms at scale and address the bottlenecks holding back housing supply broadly.