{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHousing industry welcomes focus on red tape reduction
Housing industry welcomes focus on red tape reduction
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
“No where else in the economy is feeling the productivity drain of excessive and poorly considered regulation quite like the residential construction industry,” said Simon Croft, Chief Executive Industry & Policy.
“At a time when the nation desperately needs more homes, the industry is being constrained by red tape across all tiers of government.
“In acknowledging decades of falling productivity in the construction sector, the Productivity Commission recently called out the complicated and slow approval processes for building, the volume of regulation, barriers to uptake of innovation including modern methods of construction and inconsistent licensing regimes.
“A recent survey of HIA’s small business members revealed that 56% of respondents has either taken on new staff or redeployed existing staff, to deal with administrative or regulatory tasks over the past twelve months.
“These are all resources that should be applied to actual construction work, rather than paperwork.
“HIA has raised concerns about the burden of regulation on the industry in a recent Federal Pre-Budget Submission, and posed solutions to increase productivity and efficiency in building, including:
- Greater recognition of the disproportionate impact of many regulations on small business and applying exemptions accordingly when introduced.
- Changing the frequency of amendments to the National Construction Code (NCC) to every five years, to increase certainty and reduce the burden on builders.
- Removing the paywall for critical Australian Standards, that effectively charges builders to access the rules they need to follow.
- Simplifying planning systems, including encouraging more use of fast-tracked complying development pathways for less complex projects, and also trial the use private certification for the same.
- Reforming codes, planning systems and finance models to encourage the uptake of innovative construction techniques.
“Demand for new housing is strong, but rising costs, skills shortages, complex regulations, and planning delays are making it increasingly difficult for builders to keep up, which threatens the ambitious housing target agreed by national cabinet of 1.2 million homes by 2029.
“We welcome the chance to talk to all decision makers in Canberra about the challenges being faced by the industry, and look forward to contributing further to the discussion,” concluded Mr Croft.
For more information please contact:
Cost increases, Minimum Financial Requirements and WorkSafe Enforcement updates
With Easter coming up it is time for an update on fuel price related cost increases, the proposed minimum financial requirements, and also some enforcement activity by WorkSafe.
Stadium Workforce Planning is Essential to Protect Housing Supply
Tasmania can deliver both the Macquarie Point Stadium and the homes the community urgently needs, but only if government adopts a clear and coordinated construction workforce strategy, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
Approvals rise prior to conflict in the Middle East
“New house building approvals were relatively steady in February 2026 at 9,950, the second highest monthly volume in over three years,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.
Tax changes will cripple housing supply and punish renters
Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax would worsen Australia’s rental crisis by reducing the supply of housing and putting upward pressure on weekly rents, Housing Industry Association (HIA) Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said today.