NINE out of 13 trades are in short supply despite an easing in new home and renovation activity, according to the HIA-Austral Bricks Trades Report.
According to the report, only four trades recorded an increase in availability in Ceramic Tiling; Electrical;
Whilst for the third quarter in a row, plumbing availability has deteriorated to -0.85 points, meaning they are in critical short supply.
The other trades in critical short supply include site preparation at -0.84 points and roofing at -0.75 points.
HIA’s chief economist Harley Dale said on a state by state basis, the largest shortages are in
“There remain some deep seated challenges ahead for the building industry which without the injection of more apprentices and skilled migrants, will see another round of building cost pressures emerge later in the decade.
“Today’s figures underline the importance of keeping key building trades on the Federal Governments Migration Occupations in Demand List, in order to satisfy demand for trades and alleviate pressure on building costs,” Dale concluded. “For apprentices, ongoing reforms to competency based training, mutual recognition arrangements for skills and licensing, and changes to apprenticeships are crucial in keeping costs down and improving housing affordability.”
Australian Property Journal
