HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said Harley was one of the most influential voices on housing and economic policy in Australia and a highly respected figure across industry, government and the broader economic community.

"Harley was one of Australia's most respected housing economists, but to those of us who worked alongside him, he was also a valued colleague, mentor and friend," Ms Martin said.

"His intellect, integrity and unwavering commitment to improving housing outcomes helped shape industry debate and public policy for more than two decades.

"Harley had an extraordinary ability to explain complex economic issues, challenge conventional thinking and keep the focus on the policies needed to ensure more Australians could access a home.

"Many of the housing challenges Australia faces today are issues Harley identified and advocated on many years ago. His contribution to HIA, our members and the broader residential building industry has left a lasting legacy.

"We are deeply saddened by his passing and our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones."

Harley served as HIA's Chief Economist for more than a decade and became one of Australia's most respected and influential commentators on housing and the economy.

Over a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years, he worked across academia, consultancy, financial markets and industry, holding senior roles in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

Harley played a pivotal role in shaping HIA's economic and policy thinking on housing supply. Long before housing shortages became one of Australia's most pressing economic and social challenges, he championed the need to build more homes and consistently advocated for the removal of barriers preventing industry from meeting community demand.

Throughout his time as Chief Economist, Harley highlighted the importance of adequate land supply, timely infrastructure investment, efficient planning systems, access to finance, a skilled workforce and a competitive taxation framework.

During the Global Financial Crisis, Harley was a leading voice explaining the impact of deteriorating credit conditions on residential construction and the importance of policies that supported new home building. As the industry recovered, he continued to distinguish between short-term market fluctuations and the longer-term challenge of ensuring Australia had the capacity to build enough homes for a growing population.

Many of the housing challenges confronting Australia today, including housing supply constraints, workforce shortages and planning system inefficiencies, were issues Harley identified and researched long before they became central to the national policy debate.

Harley was also a highly effective advocate for HIA in national policy discussions.

He was a regular contributor to parliamentary inquiries, government consultations and economic forums and became a familiar and trusted voice across television, radio and print media. He represented HIA on issues including housing affordability, taxation, negative gearing, interest rates, land supply, infrastructure, migration, workforce shortages and the broader economic outlook.

In 2018, Harley moved into the role of Executive Director, Skills and Workforce Development. In that position, he continued to champion stronger training outcomes, apprenticeships, workforce development and skilled migration policies that reflected the needs of the residential building industry. 

While Harley was widely respected for his economic expertise, he was equally valued for his generosity, professionalism and willingness to support others. He mentored many colleagues within HIA and across the industry, sharing his knowledge freely and helping develop the next generation of industry leaders.

Harley's contribution extended well beyond economic analysis. He helped shape HIA's understanding of the housing industry and the forces influencing it, while helping establish many of the policy principles that continue to guide the organisation today.

Many of the issues Harley advocated throughout his career, particularly the need to increase housing supply and remove constraints on new home building, remain central to HIA's work.

His influence will continue to be felt across the industry he served with such distinction.

Our thoughts are with Harley's family, friends and loved ones, and with all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

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