The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling for the Albanese Government’s upcoming Economic Reform Roundtable to make cutting excessive regulation its top priority, warning that current policy settings are stifling productivity, innovation, and housing supply.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will host the three-day roundtable at Parliament House in Canberra from 19–21 August, with the aim of shaping measures to lift Australia’s economic performance.
But HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin says any meaningful outcomes must start with tackling the layers of regulation she describes as “crippling businesses” – particularly in the home building sector.
Regulation blamed for housing affordability strain
Ms Martin said the home building industry supports the government’s focus on productivity, but warned that the cost and complexity of existing rules are undermining growth and worsening housing affordability.
“Industry is sick of hearing ‘that’s someone else’s problem.’ It’s a whole-of-government, industry and society problem,” she said.
“Every time new regulation is introduced, there should be corresponding cuts elsewhere.”
She urged policymakers to assess the economic costs and benefits of all housing-related regulations and adopt a consistent approach across all levels of government.
Calls for faster approvals and consistent rules
Key reforms proposed by HIA include:
- A ‘One House, One Approval’ system to fast-track housing projects and clear the backlog of developments stalled in environmental approvals.
- Halting constant changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) and workplace health and safety rules, which she said often conflict between agencies and add unnecessary cost.
- Delivering a stable national energy policy that offers certainty, reliability, choice, and competitive pricing for the building industry.
Letting industry “get on with the job”
Ms Martin said Australia’s ability to compete globally and attract investment depends on clearing the “road blocks” created by overregulation.
“The most effective thing governments can do to boost innovation and productivity is stay out of the way and let business get on with business,” she said.
She added that any reform commitments from the roundtable should include clear timelines to ensure industry can plan with confidence.
