HIA Executive Director, Benjamin Price outlined the key findings of the national survey, which captures the day to day realities of the small building businesses that deliver the majority of new homes across Australia. While the survey highlights the pressure of rising costs, long planning delays and workforce shortages, the discussion around the table today demonstrated that government and industry are aligned in wanting to see Tasmania’s small builders succeed.

The survey shows small businesses remain resilient, but almost nine in ten builders say red tape is increasing personal stress levels, two thirds report difficulty finding skilled workers, and most are spending five or more hours a week navigating compliance. For many, planning delays and rising insurance costs are now the biggest hurdles to taking on more work and improving productivity.

Executive Director Benjamin Price said the open discussion with the Deputy Premier reinforced the importance of reducing red tape, improving planning timeframes and supporting the workforce pipeline. 

“Tasmanian builders want to grow, take on more apprentices and deliver more homes. The survey gives us the evidence, and today’s conversation gives us momentum, to pursue reforms that will help small businesses thrive. We welcome the Deputy Premier’s willingness to engage directly with industry and look forward to working with the Government on the next steps.”

HIA will continue to advocate for stable regulatory settings and strong support for small business so builders can spend more time building homes and less time navigating compliance.

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