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A new HIA report cautions that Tasmania’s construction workforce is already operating close to full capacity, with little spare labour available to absorb a major, multi year infrastructure project without placing pressure on housing supply, costs and delivery timelines.
HIA Tasmania Executive Director Benjamin Price said the report shows the stadium would rely on the same trades currently building homes across the state.
“There isn’t an idle workforce waiting on the sidelines,” Mr Price said.
“The carpenters, electricians, plumbers and concreters needed for the stadium are the same people building Tasmania’s homes.”
The Macquarie Point Stadium is expected to take more than three years to build, with a peak onsite workforce of around 450 people. HIA warns that introducing a project of this scale into an already tight labour market risks drawing workers away from residential construction, pushing up costs and slowing housing delivery.
“In a constrained market, even small shifts in demand can have an outsized impact on prices,” Mr Price said. “If housing slows, Tasmanians feel it through higher rents, reduced affordability and fewer options for first home buyers.” Mr Price stressed the report does not argue against the stadium, or other major projects.
“This is not a stadium versus housing debate. Tasmania deserves both,” he said.
“But delivering both successfully depends on growing workforce capacity, not just reallocating workers from one project to another.”
The report calls for a coordinated workforce strategy focused on expanding apprenticeships, attracting trades, carefully sequencing major projects, and reducing regulatory and planning delays that limit productivity.
“Housing must be treated as essential economic infrastructure,” Mr Price said.
“With the right workforce planning, Tasmania can avoid cost blowouts, protect housing supply and give industry the certainty needed to invest in skills and apprentices.”
HIA will continue to update you as we receive further advice and information on the ongoing transition from Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) to the First Resort Home Warranty Scheme (FRHWS).
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the decision to extend the lease of CSIRO's North Ryde fire testing facility by six months, saying the announcement provides valuable breathing space but does not resolve the long-term threat to Australia's building product testing capability.
“The strong pipeline of multi-unit dwelling approvals recorded during the second half of 2025 has begun to translate into construction activity,” said Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director ACT & Southern NSW.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor and Shadow Minister for Skills and Training Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to the HIA Skills Centre in Darwin this week to meet apprentices and discuss the workforce challenges confronting Australia's residential construction industry.