Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Enter your details below and create a login
“The doubling of cases in the last 10 years is further evidence that the planning system is slow and complex and in urgent need of reform.”
Current delays in getting approvals and restrictive council requirements are a significant issue for the construction industry. This is adding unnecessary additional costs, delaying projects and impacting feasibility.
“Changes are needed to make it easier to build new homes now,” stated Mr Armitage.
“The major parties have indicated a willingness to work together to review the planning system and improvements to the appeals process would need to be a key part of any review.
“Opportunities to streamline the process and make it more efficient must be considered. As part of this HIA proposes the appointment of an independent DA Arbitrator to consider appeals related to single or secondary dwellings, dual occupancies and associated ancillary development.
“However, we also need to look at what existing levers we can use today such increasing the use of complying development to address some of the fundamental issues leading to increased rate of appeals and the backlog in the court,” concluded Mr Armitage.
Workplace laws are set for more changes in 2026.
Australia’s residential building industry has entered the new year with confidence still on shaky ground for small businesses as rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook.
Tasmania’s housing market slowed in November, with building approvals falling sharply compared to October. Approvals for new homes dropped almost 20 per cent, and even after seasonal adjustment, the decline was 5.8 per cent.
Australia’s home building industry is expected to strengthen through 2026, supported by gradually improving building approvals and a recovery in demand, but the pace of growth will ultimately depend on how quickly interest rates can fall further, according to the Housing Industry Association.