The Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has called upon the newly elected Federal Government to make housing a first-order priority from day one, emphasising that any delay or political grandstanding will only deepen the nation’s housing crisis.

“HIA would like to congratulate the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and the ALP for securing its term of government, and it looks forward to constructively working with them in the new parliament,” HIA managing director Jocelyn Martin says.

“Access to a home – whether to rent or own – is becoming unattainable for too many Australians, and this challenge demands a major response in the first days and weeks of the new term government.”

ACA chief executive Jon Davies says the reform is a perfect opportunity to drive lasting reform in one of Australia’s most vital industries.

“This election was fought on the cost of living, but without fixing construction productivity, the price of homes, infrastructure and essential services will keep climbing – and living standards will keep falling,” he says.

“Construction is the engine room of the economy. Close the productivity gap and you see labour shortages, lower building costs and take pressure off everyday Australians.”

Jocelyn has discouraged claims that the housing crisis lies beyond the Federal Government’s remit

“We’ve heard it too often – that housing and planning is a state issue, or that the Commonwealth has limited levers to pull,” she says.

“That excuse simply doesn’t stack up anymore. The Federal Government has the influence, the resources and the leadership role to bring all levels of government together.”