Master Builders welcomes Treasurer-led reforms to boost productivity and housing delivery

Master Builders Australia has welcomed the commitment from the Commonwealth, state, and territory Treasurers to advance reforms that will boost productivity, streamline approvals, and support housing delivery.

CEO Denita Wawn said the decisions taken by Treasurers are exactly the type of action needed to tackle the mounting housing shortfall and productivity crisis.

“Our latest forecasts show housing starts fell almost 60,000 short of the Accord’s target in 2024–25, and the gap over five years has now blown out to 180,200 homes. Without urgent reform, the 1.2 million homes goal will not be met,” Ms Wawn said

“Builders are ready to deliver, but they cannot do it alone. The measures agreed by Treasurers to speed up approvals, streamline regulation, advance national licensing arrangements, and incentivise greater use of modern methods like prefabrication will give industry the certainty and capacity to get projects moving.”

Master Builders particularly welcomed:

• Recognition of international standards: Efforts to harmonise international and state standards across building and construction (among other sectors) will reduce compliance burdens, improve efficiency, and support Australian builders competing in global markets.
• Licensing reforms: Expanding national licensing for trades, with a focus on construction and housing, will reduce barriers for workers.
• Streamlined approvals and regulation: Treasurers’ commitment to cut duplication and regulatory overlap will help unlock stalled projects of national significance, especially in housing.
• Housing delivery measures: Working with Building Ministers to simplify the National Construction Code and encourage prefabricated housing will support innovation and speed up delivery.
• Investor Front Door for priority projects: Aligning with the Commonwealth’s “Investor Front Door” initiative to unlock projects of national significance (including housing and energy) will give builders and investors clearer, faster pathways to get projects underway.

“Construction employment is near record highs, but productivity has fallen 18 per cent over the past decade.

“Projects are being held back by long build times and higher costs. Reform is the only way to restore capacity and deliver the homes Australians need.

“Federal–state collaboration will be decisive in meeting housing and productivity goals.

“No state or territory is currently on track to meet its target. We need every level of government pulling in the same direction, with industry at the table.

“These reforms show that governments are listening, and Master Builders will work closely with them to make sure change happens on the ground.

“These commitments are a vital step, but what matters most is implementation. Builders need to see action on these measures within months, not years,” Ms Wawn concluded.

Media: Dee Zegarac, National Director, External Affairs and Engagement
0400 493 071 | dee.zegarac@masterbuilders.com.au