Australia cannot solve its housing shortage without first addressing its tradie shortage, according to a new Housing Industry Association report launched on Wednesday at Parliament House.
Released ahead of National Tradies Day, the report identifies a shortage of around 83,000 skilled workers across residential construction and sets out five priorities to strengthen the industry's future workforce.
HIA Managing director Jocelyn Martin said skilled tradespeople are essential to delivering the homes Australians need.
"Every housing target ultimately depends on having enough skilled people available to build those homes," said Martin.
"Tradies build our homes, maintain our communities and help Australians recover after natural disasters, yet the industry is facing significant workforce shortages at a time when demand for housing continues to grow.”
The report finds workforce shortages are slowing housing delivery, increasing construction costs and making it harder to improve housing affordability.
With governments pursuing ambitious housing targets, and growing competition for skilled workers from infrastructure, energy and digital economy projects, Martin said Australia must focus on growing the overall workforce.
"The solution is not moving workers from one sector to another," Martin said.
"It is increasing the number of skilled people entering and completing trade careers.
"Housing, infrastructure, energy and technology projects all rely on skilled trades.
'If we want to achieve our national objectives across all of these areas, we need a larger and stronger workforce.”
Martin said trade careers offer secure employment, strong earning potential and pathways to business ownership.
"Trade careers provide an opportunity to earn while you learn, develop practical skills and build a rewarding long-term career," Martin said.
"Many of Australia's most successful small and large businesses in residential construction started with a trade qualification and an apprenticeship.
"As we approach National Tradies Day, this report is not only an opportunity to recognise the contribution of tradies, but to have a serious national conversation about building the workforce Australia will need in the decades ahead."
