“As leaders come together to consider their next steps in response to unfolding global events, our message is very simple,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.

“Pause the reforms currently in train and focus this year’s Federal Budget on stability, certainty and targeted industry support.

“This is a budget neutral measure that requires no new legislation or complex policy interventions across all layers of government,” Ms Martin said. 

“It simply means downing tools on the growing list of unnecessary new regulations, taxes and rule changes still being imposed and more being flagged to be imposed on the housing sector.”

Ms Martin warned that escalating fuel costs, ongoing supply chain disruption and broader global instability are already placing significant pressure on residential builders and threatening the ability to meet National Cabinet’s target of 1.2 million new homes.

“In an environment where global events beyond our control are driving up the cost of building products, services and transport, we cannot afford to be kicking own goals at home,” she said. 

“This includes proposed changes in the Federal Budget to taxation and policy settings that currently drive housing investment and delivery.

“There is one immediate action governments can take to provide relief to businesses — stop changing the operating environment and adding further cost and uncertainty over the next six months.

“Let the building industry weather this new storm without looking over its shoulder for home grown shocks.”

Ms Martin said productivity losses and red tape caused by constant rule changes ultimately fall on small businesses or home buyers, while delivering little or no economic benefit. 

“As we face the second major economic shock of this decade, there is no justification for loading additional cost, complexity or uncertainty onto the housing sector,” Ms Martin said.

“Getting Australian housing supply back on track is a national priority. A practical and immediate step governments at all levels can take is to let business get on with business — and not make an already difficult task harder by introducing any more new or disruptive changes.”

For more information please contact: