{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

HIA welcomes grant extensions in NT Budget but calls for stronger skills focus

Media release

HIA welcomes grant extensions in NT Budget but calls for stronger skills focus

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) says the Northern Territory’s 2026–27 Budget maintains key housing incentives but falls short of the investment needed to significantly lift housing supply and address skills shortages in the construction sector,” said Luis Espinoza, HIA Executive Director, Northern Territory.

“The extension of the HomeGrown Territory Grant and FreshStart New Home Grant through to September 2027 is a central feature of this Budget.

“HIA has been advocating strongly for the extension of these critical programs, which support home building activity, sustain jobs and are critical in rebuilding the Territory economy.

“The continuation of the $50,000 and $30,000 grants provides important certainty for households considering building a new home and boosting the NT population.

“The grants will continue to support demand for housing, particularly as affordability pressures and construction costs remain high.

“The Budget additionally includes $17 million to refurbish and return around 70 vacant public housing dwellings to service, which was something HIA called for ahead of the last NT Election, so it pleasing to see this focus in the Budget today.

“The Budget also highlights intentions to increase land release for residential development. Land supply is the foundation of housing delivery.

“Without timely release of serviced land and efficient planning approvals, we won’t see a sustained lift in home building.

“While the Budget includes funding for road repairs and infrastructure upgrades following the wet season, broader enabling infrastructure remains critical to unlocking new housing developments.

“The lack of new investment to address the Territories skills shortages remain one of the biggest constraints on housing delivery in the Territory.

“Demand side incentives and land release only work if there is a skilled workforce available to deliver homes.

“Builders continue to report shortages of key trades, including carpenters, plumbers, electricians and supervisors, contributing to project delays and higher construction costs.

“The Budget does not include a clear strategy to grow the residential construction workforce at the scale required. Greater investment in apprenticeships, training pathways and skilled migration tailored to the Territory is needed.”

“While the Budget contains positive measures, direct investment in new housing supply, enabling infrastructure and workforce development remains modest. 

“To improve housing outcomes, we need a stronger pipeline of land, sustained infrastructure investment and a clear commitment to building the skilled workforce needed to deliver more homes across the Northern Territory,” concluded Mr Espinoza.

For more information please contact:

Luis Espinoza

Executive Director – Northern Territory
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
14 May
Planning and Designing for Ducted Air Conditioning: Getting It Right from the Start

Comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance start with smart ducted air-conditioning design. Correct sizing, zoning, and airflow planning help avoid costly changes after handover. Partnering with experienced specialists like Ford & Doonan ensures dependable comfort and energy efficiency in every home.

14 May
HIA Newcastle HOMESHOW this weekend

The Hunter region's largest and most successful home and renovation show, the HIA Newcastle HOMESHOW, returns this Saturday, May 16, 2026, offering a full day of inspiration, expert guidance and entertainment for the whole family.

14 May
Victorian Government's building legislation blitz continues

The Victorian government’s conveyor belt of legislation continues to roll out with the passing of the mammoth (623 page) Building and Plumbing Administration and Enforcement Act 2026 on Tuesday along with the introduction into Parliament of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 (only 105 pages).

13 May
Why restricting Negative Gearing to new homes doesn't increase the supply of homes

“Investors are responsible for building 43 per cent of new homes in Australia over the past year, according to ABS data released today,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.