{{ 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 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 Value for money Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code 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
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
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 2026 Australian Home of the Year 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

Supporting the next generation of builders is key to WA’s housing future

Media release

Supporting the next generation of builders is key to WA’s housing future

Media release
Western Australia’s construction industry has faced significant disruption over the past five years, with rising costs, supply chain challenges, and economic uncertainty contributing to the loss of hundreds of registered builders and many more contractors across the state. As the housing market continues to grow and demand for new homes intensifies, rebuilding the builder base is critical — and that starts with supporting new entrants through the builder registration process.

“The pathway to becoming a registered builder in WA is rigorous, and rightly so,” said HIA Executive Director WA, Michael McGowan.

“It ensures quality, safety, and accountability across the industry. But for many aspiring builders, the process can be complex, costly and difficult to navigate — particularly for those transitioning from trades or small business ownership.

“HIA are pleased to support the WA Government’s Builder Support Program and the renewed focus on helping new builders not only through the registration process, but also in equipping them with the business, regulatory and project management skills needed to succeed long-term.

“Builder registration is more than a licence — it’s a gateway to opportunity, and without the right support we risk losing talented tradespeople who are ready to step up but don’t have the tools or guidance to make the leap,” said Mr McGowan.

Support will include mentoring programs, targeted training in business and compliance, and support to gather the right information to complete the registration process the first time.

“These initiatives will help ensure new builders are not only approved but are set up for sustainable success in a challenging market.

“With WA’s housing supply under pressure and the need for medium and high-density development growing, the state cannot afford to lose momentum. Encouraging and enabling new builders to enter the market is essential to meeting housing targets and maintaining industry capacity.

“Fee-Free TAFE and apprenticeship programs are helping attract new talent into the trades, now we need to complete the pipeline by supporting those ready to become builders — because without builders, we don’t build homes.

“The construction industry is ready to work with government and regulators to develop practical, scalable solutions that support new builders and strengthen the sector. With the right investment and collaboration, WA can rebuild its builder base and ensure a resilient, skilled workforce for the future,” said Mr McGowan.

For more information please contact:

Michael McGowan

Executive Director - Western Australia
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
14 Jul
Update on recent HIA advocacy activities

Over the past few weeks HIA has been advocating strongly on behalf of members on a range of policy and regulatory issues that have significant implications for housing supply, business confidence and the capacity of our industry to deliver the homes Australia needs.

14 Jul
Tasmanian builders shouldn't be shut out of housing work over union membership

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has today written to the Tasmanian Government calling for a commitment that state-funded and state-partnered housing work will continue to be awarded on merit, not industrial arrangements, warning new federal procurement rules could shrink the pool of builders able to deliver the homes Tasmania needs.

13 Jul
Rushing Working from Home laws will only lead to more bungling

The Victorian Government continues to push ahead with its Working from Home laws despite the Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) call for it to abandon its proposed legislation, warning the changes would impose additional regulatory pressure on businesses already struggling and kill productivity.

13 Jul
Hobart named Australia's most restrictive city for planning

Hobart has been identified as the most restrictive capital city in Australia for planning, according to the Australian Zoning Atlas, which found 97 per cent of the city's residential land is subject to restrictions that limit new housing.