Housing help welcomed, planning system gutted in Tasmanian budget
HIA welcomes Tasmania's 2026-27 budget support for first home buyers and housing investment, but warns that planning department cuts could slow housing supply and approval times.
How will Tasmania's 2026-27 budget affect building approvals and housing work?
Builders face longer approval delays if planning resources are cut, directly impacting project timelines and cashflow despite increased housing investment.
Key takeaways
- Tasmania's 2026-27 budget includes support for first home buyers and continued housing investment.
- Planning department budget cuts threaten to slow approval processes for new builds.
- HIA warns reduced planning resources could undermine housing supply despite increased funding.
- Builders may face longer project delays and approval timeframes due to planning cuts.
Related
New rules add thousands to the cost of a new home as Tasmania falls years behind on housing
From today, all new homes built in Tasmania must meet the full Livable Housing Design requirements. The Housing Industry Association says this adds thousands of dollars to the cost of building a home.
Why it matters: Builders and carpenters in Tasmania must now design and build to the full livable housing standard, which raises per-home costs and may change quoting, design and compliance work.
ATO payment change adds mounting pressure on home builders
The Housing Industry Association wants the ATO and Federal Government to reverse a decision to stop accepting credit card payments from 30 November. HIA says the change adds financial pressure on home builders.
Why it matters: Builders and other contractors who use credit cards to manage cash flow on tax bills may lose that option. This could tighten working capital for small building businesses.
Coalition migration measures recognise housing supply depends on workforce capacity
The Housing Industry Association has welcomed the Coalition's commitment to a skills-first migration approach and a dedicated construction visa strike team. It says the measures recognise that housing supply depends on workforce capacity.
Why it matters: Builders and other residential construction trades could see faster access to skilled migrant labour if the commitments are delivered. This may ease labour shortages, but it remains a policy commitment, not law.