Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
Broker Daily logo

HIA welcomes government focus on housing

The government’s appointment of a new Assistant Minister to the Treasurer to focus on housing affordability has been applauded by the Housing Industry Association.

According to the Housing Industry Association, last week’s changes to the Turnbull ministry demonstrate the government’s commitment to focusing on housing.

“HIA welcomes the announcement on Senator Arthur Sinodinos as the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, along with the appointment of Michael Sukkar to the new position of Assistant Minister to the Treasurer,” HIA chief executive industry policy Kristin Brookfield commented.

Ms Brookfield elaborated that in particular, Senator Sinodinos has “significant experience” and understanding of the housing industry.

==
==

“The industry portfolio includes oversight of building standards and their administration by states and territories, which is fundamental to the delivery of new housing,” she said.

She added that an important role for the federal government is ensuring that appropriate national building standards are maintained and that state approval processes are effective, as they have a direct impact on housing construction and affordability.

“The appointment of a new Assistant Minister to the Treasurer to focus on housing affordability is also welcomed. The inclusion of this role within the Treasury portfolio is a significant step by the Prime Minister to recognise the federal government has a key role in guiding the states and territories to better manage housing supply,” Ms Brookfield said.

“Creating this position within Treasury presents an opportunity to look at the complex issues affecting housing affordability including the disproportionate level of taxation on new housing and the need for planning reform.”

[Related: Stamp duty ‘key barrier’ to affordability]

More on Economy
21 November 2024
After witnessing some positive trends in the offset of COVID-19, business failures across the country have picked up ...
21 November 2024
With GDP growth at just 0.2 per cent as of the June quarter of 2024, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are ...
20 November 2024
The RBA minutes for the November meeting revealed that members recognised the importance of flexibility in monetary ...