“Recent population growth directly links to our housing needs. Without a clear policy on skilled migration for both the short and long term, it is extremely difficult for the home building industry to prepare and meet the demand for housing which is already at crushing highs,” said Jocelyn Martin HIA Deputy Managing Director, Policy and Industry.

“Population growth has always been a fundamental part of Australia’s economic and social development, and governments need to devise a targeted policy that attracts skilled migrants to work in the building sector to also meet the required number of homes.

“There is an important role for skilled migration to increase skilled trades workers, particularly where acute demand emerges, as is presently the case.

“The building trades are included on the list of eligible occupations, but there is very little take up within the construction industry, particularly the residential building industry.

“But the residential building industry requires migration pathways to enable the long-term structural shortage of workers to be addressed through permanent migration, and to enable industry to recruit skilled workers for short periods.

“Several aspects of the permanent and short term visas render them impractical for use by residential building businesses.

“In its Federal Budget submission, HIA is urging government to consult with industry to develop a visa that will enable the residential building industry to alleviate trade shortages through skilled migration.

“Australia should promote and maintain a population growth rate sufficient to secure ongoing growth in Australia’s economic performance, workforce capacity, national productivity and standard of living,” concluded Ms Martin.