“This will be one of the most important national congresses in years, with the industry facing significant headwinds in meeting the Federal Government’s commitment to deliver 1.2 million homes by 2029,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.

“The potential impact of ongoing conflict in the Middle East, combined with continued speculation about changes to current tax settings in the May Federal Budget, will be front of mind for many members.

“The increasing cost of energy as a result of global events is already flowing through the economy, making it extremely difficult for builders currently operating under fixed price contracts. This makes it the right time for HIA’s broad membership base - including our National Manufacturers Council - to come together to better understand the state of the supply chain and consider an appropriate industry response.

“The construction industry is also on edge ahead of this year’s Budget, with both the Prime Minister and Treasurer not ruling out changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing.

“The equation is simple - if you tax more of something, you get less of it.

“Last year, around 40 per cent of new dwellings were financed by investors, so now is not the time to create uncertainty for this part of the market. Punishing investors does not make it easier for young people to buy a new home, nor will it improve the budget position.

“The only sustainable solution is to build more homes, and I am confident the industry will express that message clearly this week.”

Ms Martin said the rising cost and complexity of home building, driven by a decade long increase in red tape, would also be a key focus.

“Regulatory complexity is adding significant pressure to builders, and it is important to remember that current global events did not create Australia’s housing crisis. While they will make recovery more difficult, many of the underlying problems are home grown.

“The industry also has a once in a generation opportunity to reform the National Construction Code (NCC), the cornerstone document governing home building, which is on the agenda.

“The NCC has become overly complex and has been asked to solve too many issues. As a result, it is no longer fit for purpose. Builders are strongly of the view that the time is right for a complete rebuild to restore it as a world leading code.”

Addressing skill shortages and unlocking Australia’s skilled migration system will also feature prominently, alongside debate over the industry’s approach to artificial intelligence and the appropriate scope of government regulation, with a draft policy position to be considered.

“Australia is at a crossroads when it comes to home building. While ambitious housing targets have been agreed, too much of the policy agenda across all levels of government is working against the affordable and timely delivery of new homes,” Ms Martin said.

“There is arguably no one better placed than home builders, manufacturers and related professionals to understand these challenges and develop practical solutions — which is why forums like this week’s Congress are so important.”

The HIA National Policy Congress will be held on Thursday, 16 April 2026, on the Gold Coast, ahead of the 2026 HIA National Conference and Australian Housing Awards.

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