Response to LNP Property and Construction Strategy
Published: 25 January 2012
Master Builders has welcomed the LNP’s Property and Construction Strategy, released yesterday, which recognises the importance of the building and construction industry as a key driver of Queensland’s economy.
As well as promising a healthy capital works budget, it focuses on four key areas also covered in Master Builder’s Policy & Advocacy Blueprint 2012 launched and distributed to the Queensland Government and Opposition in December 2011.
One-stop-shop building industry portfolio
Master Builders called for a dedicated building industry ministry acting as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the building and construction industry and the LNP’s proposal for a property and construction Cabinet committee, chaired by the Treasurer, provides a high level focus on the building and construction industry. However, the critical nature of some key issues, and the need to have them resolved in a timely fashion, may put the committee under pressure.
While Master Builders will support an integrated approach where key industry issues can be raised and resolved in a timely manner, we will continue our call for a dedicated Minister to represent the building industry. Master Builders also supports the suggested appointment of a ‘go to’ person as a single point of contact for building matters.
Skills shortage
Master Builders is pleased the LNP strategy acknowledges the looming skills shortage and the requirement for the training system to be overhauled. However, it remains to be seen the detail of specific strategies that would be employed to encourage more workers into the building and construction industry.
Master Builders is also mindful of issues surrounding capital and public works budgets, in particular, the potential to lose apprentices from government sectors, such as QBuild, should funding be cut to those areas.
Housing affordability
The decision to re-introduce stamp duty concessions for principal places of residence would be welcomed by Master Builders. To ensure a greater impact on building activity levels, Master Builders will continue our call for the exemption to apply to new homes only (including dwellings bought off the plan).
As part of our call to improve housing affordability via improved planning systems, Master Builders supports the LNP’s call to streamline and fast-track the planning system.
Master Builders would welcome the general call for a cost–benefit analysis on all new building regulations to ensure they do not impact adversely on the cost of building new housing. While the waste levy had only a minor impact on affordability, Master Builders is pleased to see the recommendation that the levy be removed, as this will help to reduce additional costs that increase the cost of building.
Sustainable housing
Master Builders believes that any government that is serious about sustainable housing must look at measures that encourage existing homes to meet minimum energy efficiency standards (e.g. 3 stars) prior to sale. Master Builders will continue calls for environmental measures to apply to all homes, not just new homes, which make up just 2% of the housing market.
Master Builders is committed to working with any elected government in the pursuit of key reforms that will help to rebuild Queensland’s building and construction industry, and in turn help to create a stronger economy.
Media enquiries:
Julie Russell, Manager – Corporate Affairs via email or phone (07) 3225 6436 or 0414 083 191
