New senior secondary school certificates will see the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) combined from next year.

The Government’s investment is one of the biggest reforms to the senior secondary school system since the VCE’s inception, on the back of the increased demand for careers in trades and services.

The budget’s recognition of the importance of trades and trade-based training in Victoria is a welcome move, particularly as it will support new entrants into the housing industry,” said Victorian Executive Director, Fiona Nield.

“HIA’s pre-budget submission had called upon Government to support trade based training and to create flexible pathways into our industry.”

The commitment of $69 million to expand statewide the Head Start school-based apprenticeship and traineeship models will also see trades promoted and undertaken before leaving school.

“HIA has long called for trades to be promoted in the same way as university education.

“This commitment is a recognition of the great jobs and rewarding career opportunities available through starting a trade in the building industry.”

Also in the Budget, the Government has indicated it will establish a separate office for the State Building Surveyor.

“This move is something HIA has long argued for to allow this role to be independent and work towards supporting the industry in the interpretation of buildings codes and standards."

Finally, state property and development taxes revenue will increase, driven by property prices and transaction volumes.

“HIA is pleased to see no new taxes outlined in this year’s budget. But it is also clear from the forecasts of tax revenue that new land and housing development underpins the Government’s revenue now and into the future,” said Ms Nield.

“Over the forward estimates, revenue from property taxes are forecast to continue increasing, including land tax, greenfield infrastructure charges and the soon to be implemented new windfall gains tax.

“Stamp duty remains the biggest contributor to these property taxes, which when combined with other property taxes, now represents 52.8% of total state revenue this year.

“Housing affordability continues to be a pressure point in Victoria and it will be important for the Government to look holistically at property taxes and work with industry to ensure the balance is right,” Ms Nield concluded.

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