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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

HIA calls on Government to give subbies certainty on impact of IR Bill

Media release

HIA calls on Government to give subbies certainty on impact of IR Bill

Media release
“Significant parts of the Closing Loopholes Bill, that remain before Federal Parliament, risk acting as a disincentive to run a business in the residential building industry, threaten the ability for trades people to work as independent contractors, and should be scrapped,” said Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.

“HIA has stressed that the legislation represents greater uncertainty and complexity for businesses, particularly small businesses that are already feeling crushed by the weight of regulation and regulatory change.

“The majority of businesses in the residential building industry are small and family businesses and most of the work carried out in our industry is undertaken by sub contractors who value their independence and ability to be their own boss,” added Ms Martin.

“Despite the Government’s assertion that the reforms focus on the ‘gig economy’, the risks remain for subbies in our industry, given the uncertainty and conflicting information that is being released.

“There remains an open question about how the reforms will affect independent contracting in the residential building industry. Simply adding further red tape, cost and complexity to an already heavily regulated industry poses a risk to the housing industry and over 1 million workers.

“HIA calls on Minister Burke to clarify once and for all to the significant number of sub contractors in the residential building industry that their businesses will not be under jeopardy from these IR reforms or other reforms under consideration,” said Ms Martin.

“Independent contracting arrangements in the residential building industry are critical to delivering the Government’s commitment to build 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years, not to mention helping to alleviate the housing affordability crisis.

“Any legislation that hampers the industry’s progress will just hurt Australians trying to get into a home,” concluded Ms Martin. 

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
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