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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHIA welcomes record housing investment: no better place to be a tradie
HIA welcomes record housing investment: no better place to be a tradie
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The 2026/27 Western Australian State Budget delivers a strong platform to boost housing supply while creating significant opportunities for skilled trades and the next generation of industry workers, according to HIA Executive Director WA, Michael McGowan.
Thursday, 07th May 2026
“This Budget recognises that increasing housing supply is critical to addressing affordability and supporting Western Australia’s growing population,” said Mr McGowan.
“The State Government’s significant investment in housing-enabling infrastructure, land supply, and support for more affordable housing offerings in a range of metro and regional locations will help unlock new developments and bring more homes to market sooner. These are practical steps that support industry capacity and give builders greater confidence to take on new projects.”
$4.7 billion has been allocated in the 2026/27 budget to housing measures which includes more social and affordable housing in metro and regional locations, build-to-sell and build-to-rent schemes, Keystart financing initiatives, $522 million for housing enabling infrastructure such as power, water sewer, infrastructure development funding and development of the trade workforce. Relief on stamp duty thresholds for homes and vacant land will also assist first home buyers building their first home.
Mr McGowan said the Budget also highlights the scale the residential construction sector needs to play in supporting WA out of its current housing crisis and into a position where it can take advantage of future opportunities.
“With a strong forward pipeline of housing activity, there has never been a better time to enter a trade or expand a building business,” he said.
“Demand for skilled workers remains high across all stages of the building process—from site preparation through to completion. Electricians, carpenters, plumbers, bricklayers and other trades will continue to be the backbone of delivering the homes WA needs.
“The Budget’s continued focus on training, apprenticeships and workforce development will be essential to sustaining this momentum. $13 million has been allocated to keep the Construction Visa Subsidy Program going while $19.6 million is investment in the GTO wage subsidy program to develop more apprentices.
“Encouraging more Western Australians into trades and supporting apprentices through to completion is key to meeting future housing demand,” said Mr McGowan.
“Industry needs a consistent and well-supported pipeline of skilled workers, and this Budget helps reinforce that pathway.
“There is no better place to be a tradie than in WA,” said Mr McGowan.
“If you are reading this anywhere around Australia or around the world, start making arrangement to get to WA as soon as possible and be part of an exciting future.”
Whether through the Government’s ‘Build a Life in WA’ or Construction Visa Subsidy programs, there are mechanisms to help you join the residential construction workforce in WA.”
Mr McGowan said the combination of housing investment and workforce initiatives positions the industry for long-term growth.
“The outlook for residential construction in Western Australia is strong, with a solid pipeline of work ahead. The priority now is to maintain this momentum and ensure projects move efficiently from planning to completion.
“This Budget provides the settings—now it’s time to get on with the job of delivering more homes for Western Australians,” concluded Mr McGowan.
“The State Government’s significant investment in housing-enabling infrastructure, land supply, and support for more affordable housing offerings in a range of metro and regional locations will help unlock new developments and bring more homes to market sooner. These are practical steps that support industry capacity and give builders greater confidence to take on new projects.”
$4.7 billion has been allocated in the 2026/27 budget to housing measures which includes more social and affordable housing in metro and regional locations, build-to-sell and build-to-rent schemes, Keystart financing initiatives, $522 million for housing enabling infrastructure such as power, water sewer, infrastructure development funding and development of the trade workforce. Relief on stamp duty thresholds for homes and vacant land will also assist first home buyers building their first home.
Mr McGowan said the Budget also highlights the scale the residential construction sector needs to play in supporting WA out of its current housing crisis and into a position where it can take advantage of future opportunities.
“With a strong forward pipeline of housing activity, there has never been a better time to enter a trade or expand a building business,” he said.
“Demand for skilled workers remains high across all stages of the building process—from site preparation through to completion. Electricians, carpenters, plumbers, bricklayers and other trades will continue to be the backbone of delivering the homes WA needs.
“The Budget’s continued focus on training, apprenticeships and workforce development will be essential to sustaining this momentum. $13 million has been allocated to keep the Construction Visa Subsidy Program going while $19.6 million is investment in the GTO wage subsidy program to develop more apprentices.
“Encouraging more Western Australians into trades and supporting apprentices through to completion is key to meeting future housing demand,” said Mr McGowan.
“Industry needs a consistent and well-supported pipeline of skilled workers, and this Budget helps reinforce that pathway.
“There is no better place to be a tradie than in WA,” said Mr McGowan.
“If you are reading this anywhere around Australia or around the world, start making arrangement to get to WA as soon as possible and be part of an exciting future.”
Whether through the Government’s ‘Build a Life in WA’ or Construction Visa Subsidy programs, there are mechanisms to help you join the residential construction workforce in WA.”
Mr McGowan said the combination of housing investment and workforce initiatives positions the industry for long-term growth.
“The outlook for residential construction in Western Australia is strong, with a solid pipeline of work ahead. The priority now is to maintain this momentum and ensure projects move efficiently from planning to completion.
“This Budget provides the settings—now it’s time to get on with the job of delivering more homes for Western Australians,” concluded Mr McGowan.
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