“HIA welcomes the structure and focus of the roundtable, which directly reflects the priorities HIA has long put to Government covering the reduction in regulatory barriers, enabling innovation and strengthening the skilled workforce,” HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin said today.

“The roundtable represents an important step in aligning government and industry efforts around practical reform which will improve productivity and lead to more homes being built. 

“HIA is expecting the roundtable will focus on regulatory reform, a long-standing concern for HIA members across the country. Builders continue to face significant delays and uncertainty due to complex planning systems, inconsistent implementation of the National Construction Code and burdensome environmental approval processes.

“We have consistently said that duplicative and inconsistent regulation adds unnecessary time and cost to housing projects. 

“Innovation in residential construction is also essential to lifting productivity in the sector. This goes beyond modular housing and embraces the use of digital tools across our regulators.

“The industry is facing a chronic shortage of skilled trades. We are asking the Government to support employers to take on and train apprentices, more support for programs in schools and improvements to the visa system. 

“Now they have declared a crisis, it is time for the Federal Government to respond as if there is one. We’re heading into this roundtable with a clear focus on outcomes, and a willingness to work closely with government to ensure these reforms are delivered,” Ms Martin concluded.

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