HIA Victoria Executive Director Keith Ryan said National Tradies Day is an opportunity to highlight the essential role tradies play in keeping Victoria building.

“Tradies are the backbone of Victoria’s construction sector. They build our homes, maintain our communities and support thousands of small businesses across the state. Today is about recognising their skill, professionalism and commitment,” he said.

With the November 2026 state election approaching, HIA says it is critical that all political parties put forward policies that genuinely support tradies and the small businesses they operate.

“Tradies deserve a regulatory environment that lets them get on with the job. That means reducing unnecessary red tape, avoiding cost shifting onto small businesses, and ensuring any new regulatory proposals are practical, proportionate and developed with proper consultation,” Mr Ryan said.

HIA warns that excessive or poorly designed regulation can add cost, slow down project delivery and make it harder for small trade businesses to grow and employ apprentices.

“Victoria’s tradies are already navigating one of the most complex regulatory landscapes in the country. Despite these challenges they are still making a vital contribution to the home building industry which builds over 50,000 homes a year in Victoria. They deserve support from our political parties.

“As parties finalise their election platforms, they should focus on policies that support tradies — not add new layers of regulation that make running a small business harder.”

HIA is calling for election commitments that support tradies through streamlined regulation, simplified licensing, incentives for apprentices and their employers, and practical measures to boost skills, safety and productivity.

“National Tradies Day is a reminder of the enormous value tradies bring to Victoria. The upcoming election is an opportunity for all parties to show they back the people who build our state,” concluded Mr Ryan.

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