{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
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 Communication for 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 Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
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 2025 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 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
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
05 Nov
Supporting the next generation of builders is key to WA’s housing future

Western Australia’s construction industry has faced significant disruption over the past five years, with rising costs, supply chain challenges, and economic uncertainty contributing to the loss of hundreds of registered builders and many more contractors across the state. As the housing market continues to grow and demand for new homes intensifies, rebuilding the builder base is critical — and that starts with supporting new entrants through the builder registration process.

05 Nov
Builder Support Program – supporting the next generation of builders

Over the past five years, Western Australia’s construction industry has experienced significant disruption. Rising costs, supply chain challenges and economic uncertainty have contributed to the loss of hundreds of registered builders and many more contractors across the state. As demand for new housing continues to grow, rebuilding our builder base is essential — and that starts with supporting new entrants through the builder registration process.

05 Nov
HIA welcomes Premier’s acknowledgement on Homes Tasmania performance

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the Premier’s acknowledgment in Question Time today that he is “...less than satisfied with Homes Tasmania’s performance…”.

03 Nov
Building Approvals in the ACT Continue to Languish

The latest ABS data released today shows that home building approvals in the ACT remain underwhelming, which reaffirms that relief from affordability pressures is still a long way off.