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Login to see content specific to ACT and Southern NSW

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ACT and Southern NSW

Keeping you up-to-date with the latest news, insights and advice across your region.

ACT and Southern NSW

Keeping you up-to-date with the latest news, insights and advice across your region.

Earlier this month the ACT saw the commencement of the new City and Environment Directorate (CED). This new entity will take on the functions of the old Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD), Transport and City Services (TCCS) and Access Canberra.

In last year’s ACT election campaign HIA called for the creation of a housing super portfolio, arguing for the consolidation of both ministries and directorates responsible for construction activities. So we were pleased to see this view supported by the government.

The ACT has been struck with chronic delays and inefficiencies that have led to slower and more expensive building, and we believe that consolidating the decision makers and approval processes should improve transparency and provide benefits to the industry and community.

The new Directorates activities will be broken up into a number of business units including:

  • Business, licensing and regulation
  • Planning, development and infrastructure
  • Transport and road network
  • Environment, water and heritage
  • City and public services

It is somewhat disappointing that this process has not progressed at a quicker pace, given these changes were foreshadowed many months ago. While the CED officially started on 1 July 2025, a number of important details around structure and leadership positions are yet to be finalised.

Responsible Ministers are Chris Steel (transport, planning and development, heritage), Tara Cheyne (city and ACT Government services) and Suzanne Orr (climate change, environment, energy, and water).

HIA looks forward to working with the new Directorate, and will advise of any further details as they become available. Find out more about the City and Environment Directorate.

Greg Weller
Greg Weller
Executive Director
ACT and Southern NSW

Latest news
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01 Aug
Home building materials prices still slower than CPI

“Home building materials have continued to experience only modest cost increases, up by 1.6 per cent in the 2024/25 financial year,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Maurice Tapang.

01 Aug
Productivity Commission backs HIA calls for major regulation overhaul

“Today’s interim report from the Productivity Commission overwhelmingly backs what HIA has long been saying - that the regulatory burden on businesses is getting worse in this country and there is need for a major overhaul on the approach to regulation,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.

31 Jul
HIA welcomes key findings of interim Productivity Commission’s report

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the release of the Queensland Productivity Commission’s interim report into construction productivity It is a significant and necessary step toward overcoming the housing supply challenges facing Queensland,” said Michael Roberts, HIA Executive Director Queensland.

31 Jul
Building approvals pick up 2024/25

“New home building approvals in the 2024/25 financial year were up by 13.9 per cent compared to their 2023/24 trough,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

Spotlight

President's report

We deliver stories that make you feel part of a vibrant community of like-minded industry professionals, ...

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Apprentices

There’s no better time than now to employ an apprentice and help them build the foundation for a long and...

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Member stories

Hear from our members, in their words, about their day to day challenges and highlights in work and life.

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Your myHIA account


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National Construction Code 2022

Keep up-to-date with the evolving changes for your region. Check out the NCC 2022 hub with all the latest info, courses and seminars.

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Join the conversation

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Awards & events

Upcoming events
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06 Aug
Industry Outlook Breakfast

Hear the latest economic forecasts and trends to help you make better business decisions, featuring key presenters from HIA’s Economics Team as well as guest speakers.

08 Aug
2025 HIA Victorian Apprentice Awards

You're invited to a celebration of the bright future of the Victorian residential building industry!

13 Aug
HIA Building Women Thrive Series

Stay up-to-date professionally and get handy information for your business by attending our networking events.

15 Aug
Builders Coach Rapid Profit & Cashflow Workshop

Learn easy to understand strategies that work. Engaging and in-depth look at business and industry processes and implications that could impact your business.

HIA Awards

HIA Awards provide home builders and designers the opportunity to receive recognition, and showcase their work to the broader industry. Winners and finalists not only receive extensive media promotion for their business, they also get the opportunity to promote themselves as an industry leader.

2024 Award winners

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Home of the Year

Winner: Classic Constructions (Aust)

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Display Home

Winner: Exceed Homes and Arkitex

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Spec Home

Winner: Rydgeport Constructions

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Careers & learning

Learning a new skill or adding to your existing knowledge is the best way to advance your career and help reignite your passion for getting up in the morning and doing a job that you love. It's not just about what you can learn but also how you can use your new found knowledge to reach the next step in where you want your career to go.

Upcoming training
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21 Aug
NCC 2022: AS1684 Timber Framing Changes

Gain an overview and understanding of the changes to AS1684 Timber Framing Code.

17 Sep
NCC 2022: Volume Two and Housing Provisions

Overview of the changes for Class 1 and 10 buildings and structures in NCC 2022 for new housing provisions.

18 Sep
Estimating and Quoting

Get the knowledge and skills required to accurately calculate and estimate material, labour and equipment costs, as well as business overheads, margins and other costs for small residential and commercial construction projects.

20 Oct
NCC 2022: Waterproofing Changes

Learn about the important updates and changes included in the NCC 2022 for internal and external waterproofing.

Support for your business

Building it right

HIA’s experienced Building and planning services team can help you navigate residential building legislation and keep your project on track.

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Getting approval to build

Most new homes and renovations to existing homes require a development approval (DA) before they can be built. A DA will normally be granted by the local council.

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Managing your safety

We have been helping businesses like yours for over a decade by offering safety checks and site-specific safety systems designed to meet current workplace health and safety requirements.

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Managing your business

HIA’s expert workplace advisors can offer you bespoke support to help you navigate the maze of compliance in the building industry.

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