Housing innovation boost welcome, but falls short
Master Builders Australia welcomes the Federal Government's $39.3 million investment in housing innovation but says it falls short of what's needed to address the housing crisis.
$39.3 million investment in housing innovation announced by Federal Government
Is the $39.3 million housing innovation funding enough to help builders?
Builders may see new construction methods and materials emerge from this funding, but the limited investment means major changes to building practices are unlikely in the near term.
Key takeaways
- Federal Government announced $39.3 million for housing innovation initiatives
- Master Builders Australia says the investment is welcome but insufficient
- Funding aims to boost innovation in residential construction methods
- Industry groups believe more substantial investment is needed to solve housing crisis
Related
Builders welcome Opposition focus on construction skills
Master Builders Australia has welcomed the Coalition's commitment to prioritise construction skills and address workforce shortages. The available article text is cut off, so the specific policies are not detailed.
Why it matters: Builders and other construction trades could see changes to apprenticeship and training support if the Coalition's skills commitment becomes policy. Workforce shortages affect project timelines and labour costs.
Come walk a day in the shoes of small business
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is asking government ministers and policymakers to spend a day working alongside a small business. It wants this to happen before they bring in more taxes, reporting requirements, compliance obligations or cost increases.
Why it matters: Small building trade businesses, including builders and subcontractors, carry the load of new taxes, paperwork and compliance rules. HIA is pushing for policymakers to understand that burden before adding more.
Government provides breathing space for builders and tradies on ATO credit card ban
The Federal Government has agreed to delay the ATO's proposed ban on credit card payments for tax debts. The Housing Industry Association welcomed the move, which gives builders and tradies more time to prepare.
Why it matters: Builders and tradies who pay ATO bills by credit card keep that option for now. This gives them time to adjust cash flow and find other ways to pay tax obligations.