{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationTime to stop playing politics and fast track overdue EPBC reforms
Time to stop playing politics and fast track overdue EPBC reforms
Member and guest login
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.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
“The current EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation) Act is acting as a major handbrake on new housing, infrastructure and commercial projects and any further delays in passing new laws will only compound the current problems that exist to get new projects online.
“Since 2000 the time to get projects green lighted has doubled and we have stories of some members waiting since 2017 for projects to get approved.
“Right now, there are over 26,000 housing projects stuck in the system – all parties recognise we are in a housing crisis yet a key component of getting new housing delivered faster remains stuck in neutral.
“HIA has been encouraged by the proposed modernising of the EPBC Act, with important changes being flagged to utilise bilateral agreements to remove process duplication between state, local and federal governments.
“Equally we have been advocating for better use of strategic assessments for priority housing development areas, supported by the newly established ‘housing strike team’.
“These two sets of reforms would make a marked difference in turning the dial on fast tracking new approvals and clearing the massive backlog of approvals awaiting the green light.
“Another area needing a major overhaul is the approach to environmental offsets that is adding significant uncertainty and costs to getting projects out of the ground.
“The EPBC Act was written 25 years ago, the housing and supply problems we face today are very different. If we’re serious about meeting the Government’s 1.2 million homes, we can’t keep pushing these overdue reforms off to more inquires, trying to gold plate the new laws or creating more layers or triggers for approvals.
“The housing industry is ready to work constructively with the Australian Government, Opposition and Greens to get these laws passed but we need a broad commitment from all parties on clear action to finally modernise and implement these critical changes to the environmental laws identified by Graeme Samuel. Without such a commitment the nation’s housing target will remain out of reach and leave more projects stuck in limbo,” concluded Ms Martin.
For more information please contact:
Building Approvals in the ACT Continue to Languish
The latest ABS data released today shows that home building approvals in the ACT remain underwhelming, which reaffirms that relief from affordability pressures is still a long way off.
Tasmanian Building Approvals Surge to Two-Year High
Tasmania’s building and construction sector is showing strong signs of growth, with the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data revealing building approvals have reached their highest level in two years.
Building approvals rise 12 per cent in September
“The decline in the cash rate and ongoing population growth is finally flowing through to a rise in building approvals,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.
2025 HIA NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards Winners Announced
The HIA NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards showcase the achievements of HIA member builders and building professionals in the NSW housing industry.