A pre-budget submission from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) believes that the Federal Government’s target of building 1.2 million homes over the next five years will fall “well short” if no solution is reached for Australia’s long-term shortage of skilled tradespeople.
HIA managing director Jocelyn Martin says the association has called for a multifaceted approach to bring more skilled tradespeople and other key workers to the industry.
“Too often, doing a trade or going into construction is seen as a lesser career option and we are calling on the Federal Government to instigate a widespread education program to better promote the substantive career opportunities that exist in the building industry,” Jocelyn explains.
“HIA would like the Government to make a clear long-term commitment to indexed apprentices and employer subsidies to encourage more employers to take on apprentices and to support them through their apprenticeships.”
Jocelyn says that the HIA understands challenges brought by a lack of skilled labour won’t be solved overnight but declared more apprenticeship support and encouraging the employment of apprentices could be taken to help ease the skills shortage.
Along with policies to help draw apprentices, refinement to the immigration system also needs to be implemented to restore the fading supply of skilled workers, according to Jocelyn. This would involve developing a streamlined and simplified visa program for in-demand trades and supporting this with an education and awareness program to assist participants in navigating the process.
“A strong construction workforce is the only way that Australia will ever solve the problem of housing affordability,” she outlines.
“If the Federal Government is to realise its bold goal of 1.2 million much-needed homes in five years, HIA strongly recommends the Government adopt the recommendations contained in the submission.”
Image courtesy of Stu Rapley
Construction boss Brett Walker is spearheading a significant development in Brisbane’s port area, with plans for a new ...
Despite renewed government efforts to boost housing supply, it appears Australia will fall short of its ambitious 1.2 ...
Boutique property specialists JD Property Group have secured planning approval for their latest venture, the $100-million Secret Garden ...
Leigh Creek, a former coal mining town turned gateway to the rugged Flinders Ranges in South Australia, faces ...
Brisbane's iconic South Bank Parklands is set for a significant transformation with the announcement of a new masterplan ...
Specifier Source is brought to you by the same company that publishes Home Design, Grand Designs Australia Magazine, Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Magazine, Outdoor Design Source, Build Home, CompleteHome and many more.