Red tape, innovation, and skills top agenda at national housing roundtable
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Photo by Christina Morillo
This week, Melbourne will play host to a significant national roundtable that aims to address pressing issues in the housing sector. Convened by the Hon Clare O’Neil MP, Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Cities, the event will bring together senior industry leaders, including representatives from the Housing Industry Association (HIA). The roundtable’s focus is on unlocking productivity within the housing sector, a move welcomed by the HIA.
Jocelyn Martin, Managing Director of the HIA, expressed support for the roundtable’s agenda, highlighting its alignment with the association’s long-standing priorities. “HIA welcomes the structure and focus of the roundtable, which directly reflects the priorities HIA has long put to Government covering the reduction in regulatory barriers, enabling innovation and strengthening the skilled workforce,” she stated.
The roundtable is seen as a crucial step in synchronising efforts between the government and industry to implement practical reforms aimed at boosting productivity and increasing housing supply. “The roundtable represents an important step in aligning government and industry efforts around practical reform which will improve productivity and lead to more homes being built,” Ms Martin emphasised.
Regulatory reform is expected to be a major topic of discussion, addressing a persistent concern among HIA members nationwide. Builders often encounter significant delays and uncertainties due to intricate planning systems, inconsistent implementation of the National Construction Code, and cumbersome environmental approval processes. Ms Martin noted, “We’ve consistently said that duplicative and inconsistent regulation adds unnecessary time and cost to housing projects.”
Innovation is another key area of focus, with the HIA advocating for advancements in residential construction to drive productivity. This includes not only the adoption of modular housing but also the integration of digital tools across regulatory bodies. “Innovation in residential construction is also essential to lifting productivity in the sector. This goes beyond modular housing and embraces the use of digital tools across our regulators,” Ms Martin explained.
The industry is also grappling with a chronic shortage of skilled trades, which poses a significant challenge to meeting housing demands. The HIA is urging the government to support employers in hiring and training apprentices, enhance school programs, and improve the visa system to attract skilled workers. “The industry is facing a chronic shortage of skilled trades. We are asking the Government to support employers to take on and train apprentices, more support for programs in schools and improvements to the visa system,” Ms Martin said.
The roundtable comes at a critical time, as the Federal Government has declared a housing crisis. The HIA is entering the discussions with a strong focus on achieving tangible outcomes and a readiness to collaborate closely with the government to ensure the successful implementation of reforms. “Now they have declared a crisis, it is time for the Federal Government to respond as if there is one. We are heading into this roundtable with a clear focus on outcomes, and a willingness to work closely with government to ensure these reforms are delivered,” Ms Martin concluded.
As the roundtable convenes, industry leaders and government officials will be tasked with finding viable solutions to the multifaceted challenges facing the housing sector. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact the future landscape of housing in Australia, with the potential to streamline processes, foster innovation, and address the skills gap that currently hinders the sector’s growth.