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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationHIA welcomes new approach on Launceston Council staff hours
HIA welcomes new approach on Launceston Council staff hours
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HIA Executive Director Tasmania, Benjamin Price, said the decision was a positive outcome for industry and reflects the significance of council capacity to the Northern Tasmanian economy.
“We welcome the Council’s decision to take the 30.4 hour week off the table at this time. A 20 per cent reduction in staffing hours would have translated directly into a reduction in capacity, with real consequences for builders, contractors, suppliers and homebuyers.
“HIA understands the challenges councils face in attracting and retaining staff and supports further work being undertaken to assess alternative workforce models that do not compromise service delivery.
“We acknowledge that Council will now undertake further work to assess other potential models. Flexible or compressed work arrangements can be explored, provided they maintain overall capacity and do not slow the planning, building, plumbing, inspection and customer service functions that local businesses rely on.
“The outcome demonstrates the value of constructive engagement between council and industry,” Mr Price said.
“This decision highlights the importance of listening to the business community when changes of this scale are being considered. Housing and construction are major drivers of jobs and investment in Northern Tasmania, and council decisions that affect capacity have direct flow on impacts across the economy.”
HIA said it looks forward to engaging constructively with the City of Launceston as further work is undertaken.
“Our focus has always been on outcomes. Ensuring councils have the capacity they need to deliver timely, reliable services is critical. We welcome the opportunity to work with Council as it considers future options,” said Mr Price.
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