{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

BuildSkills Australia releases Workforce Capacity Study

Media release

BuildSkills Australia releases Workforce Capacity Study

Media release
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the release of BuildSkills Australia’s Housing Workforce Capacity Study, which highlights the need to strengthen Australia’s residential construction workforce to meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029.

“The report provides a clear assessment of the workforce challenge and offers a range of practical options for industry and government,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.

“BuildSkills Australia has produced a careful and evidence-based analysis of the workforce pressures facing residential construction.

“The findings reinforce what HIA has been saying for some time, Australia must increase the supply of skilled workers if we are to keep up with housing demand.

“The report identifies five key levers to build workforce capacity: boosting apprenticeships and VET training, increasing female participation, targeted skilled migration, productivity improvements, and expanding training system capacity.

“HIA supports the emphasis on strengthening apprenticeships and improving the training system so more people can successfully enter and complete trade qualifications.

“Steps such as incentives for employers and increasing the tax free thresh hold for apprentices earning under $45,000 are really good initiatives. 

Ms Martin also reiterated HIA’s position on skilled migration, which is another key focus of the report.

“Domestic training is essential, but it will not be enough on its own,” she said.

“A well-targeted skilled migration program that recognises construction as an essential industry is critical. We need clear, practical pathways for experienced tradespeople to come to Australia and help fill immediate gaps.

“HIA is pleased to see that the report also focuses on productivity and planning, modernising building practices and reducing unnecessary regulatory delays, which will help the industry deliver homes more efficiently and at lower cost.

“The report identifies the need to increase participation in the workforce by females, which is something HIA fully supports. Our recent launch of the ‘She Builds the Future’ program, encompassing the children's book, ‘The House that She Built’ are example of some of the exciting work taking place in the industry to improve gender balance.

Overall, this new study provides a sound basis for the policy decisions needed to support the housing targets set under the National Housing Accord.

“It’s essential now that recommendations are progressed to actions,” concluded Ms Martin.

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
08 Oct
Support for local manufacturing critical for delivery of home building targets

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is backing calls for a dedicated energy security and supply plan to support Australia’s building product manufacturing sector, acknowledging their critical importance to our economy and providing the essential products for our homes,” HIA Chief Executive – Industry and Policy, Simon Croft, said today.

07 Oct
Green shoots on clearing EPBC housing backlogs

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the announcement of over 4,600 new homes approved for construction under the national environmental laws, since August this year,” said HIA Chief Executive, Industry and Policy, Simon Croft.

03 Oct
HIA launches inaugural Safety Summit in Newcastle

October marks the beginning of National Safe Work Month – a time for us all to pause, reflect, and reinforce our commitment to creating a safe and healthy workplace for everyone,” said HIA Hunter Executive Director Craig Jennion.

02 Oct
Managing psychosocial hazards and risks at work

The Victorian government has introduced changes to OHS regulations that expressly requires employers to identify psychosocial hazards and how they intend to manage the risks to health and safety.