{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Solutions for your business Contracts Online Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Industrial relations
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 Maintaining 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 Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
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 2024 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

HIA responds to changes to workplace laws

Media release

HIA responds to changes to workplace laws

Media release
Today, HIA lodged a submission in response to the parliamentary inquiry considering the Federal Government’s Closing Loopholes Bill, warning that it represents significant changes to the industrial relations system.

"Today, HIA lodged a submission in response to the parliamentary inquiry considering the Federal Government’s Closing Loopholes Bill, warning that it represents significant changes to the industrial relations system.

“HIA has opposed the legislation, highlighting that businesses, particularly small businesses are feeling crushed by the weight of regulatory change", said Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.

“The residential building industry is just starting to turn a corner after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic begin to dissipate. Now is not the time for further disruption via complex regulatory changes that simply add a layer of uncertainty and risk.

“The ambitions set out in the Governments White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities should not be shackled by unnecessary interference with business. Proposals that would expand union rights, empower the Fair Work Commission to deal with business-to-business arrangements, and excessive increases in penalties will simply act as a disincentive to run a business and employ staff.

“While we are pleased that the Government listened to HIA’s concerns that reforms targeted at the gig economy cannot and should not impact independent contracting arrangements in the residential building industry, the themes that emerge from the proposed laws remain of concern.

“HIA sees this parliamentary inquiry process as an opportunity to better understand how some aspects of the legislation might impact independent contractors and the residential building industry. For example, the proposed new jurisdiction of the Commission to deal with unfair contract terms and measures targeted at the road transport industry supply chain.

“The Government’s commitment to build 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years needs a flexible and buoyant housing sector, coupled with policy settings that make employing attractive. Complex and cumbersome change will only serve to do the opposite", concluded Ms Martin.

 

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Melissa Adler

Executive Director - Industrial Relations and Legal Services
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
26 Jul
A plan for land is a plan for housing

“Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth are seeing residential land values grow at a rapid rate, while Sydney and Melbourne’s values remain relatively stable,” stated HIA Senior Economist Matt King.

26 Jul
New plumbing and drainage inspection procedures in Huntlee and-North Rothbury area

Plumbing and drainage inspections in the Huntlee and North Rothbury areas are moving from Cessnock City Council to Building Commission NSW.

25 Jul
BASIX transition period ending soon

The BASIX Transition period for eligible signed building contracts will end on 30 September 2024. BASIX Certificates must be generated by this date to apply the pre-1 October 2023 BASIX standards.

23 Jul
Lingering worker shortages see trade rates continue to rise

“As the number of new homes under construction continues to decline builders are reporting fewer difficulties scheduling skilled trades workers on their jobs, although availability of skilled workers remains worse than prior to the pandemic,” stated Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director – Future Workforce.