{{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 locationGovernment incentives essential to support skills trade training
Government incentives essential to support skills trade training
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
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
“Access to skilled labour is one of the most pressing issues facing the home building sector,” said Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.
“It is one of the biggest operational issues holding the industry back from contributing to meeting the nation’s housing targets, which have been set by National Cabinet.
“A recent survey of HIA’s small business members indicated that the cost and access to skilled trades were both in the top five issues placing pressure on builders.
“The survey also showed that 67 per cent of respondents said they were having trouble recruiting new staff or retaining existing workers.
“Today’s KAP data demonstrates 85 per cent of apprentices are with small businesses. Demand for apprentices by small businesses is highly sensitive to price, which reinforces the view that we need to ensure there is adequate financial support.
“Programs such as the KAP, which provides financial support to apprentices to assist them during their training, are essential to attracting prospective trades into the sector,” said Ms Martin.
“The importance of incentives that support the employers who take on apprentices should also not be underestimated.
“A trade apprentice will typically not start making a return for the business until well into their second year, and the provision of financial assistance to help defray the additional costs of training and supervision is crucial to make the equation viable for many small businesses.
“Apprentice retention also remains a challenge, therefore targeted retention programs – particularly during the first 18 months where we see a high level of drop outs – are extremely important.
“There is a clear correlation between the availability and level of incentives, and the appetite for employers to take on apprentices and for young people to consider a career in residential building.
“In our 2026/27 pre-budget submission we call on the Federal Government to commit long term to the existing incentives for both apprentices and employers,” concluded Ms Martin.
For more information please contact:
Cost increases, Minimum Financial Requirements and WorkSafe Enforcement updates
With Easter coming up it is time for an update on fuel price related cost increases, the proposed minimum financial requirements, and also some enforcement activity by WorkSafe.
Stadium Workforce Planning is Essential to Protect Housing Supply
Tasmania can deliver both the Macquarie Point Stadium and the homes the community urgently needs, but only if government adopts a clear and coordinated construction workforce strategy, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
Approvals rise prior to conflict in the Middle East
“New house building approvals were relatively steady in February 2026 at 9,950, the second highest monthly volume in over three years,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.
Tax changes will cripple housing supply and punish renters
Proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax would worsen Australia’s rental crisis by reducing the supply of housing and putting upward pressure on weekly rents, Housing Industry Association (HIA) Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said today.