Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing a drop in the number of Australian homes being built in the last quarter underline the urgent need to reform the sector, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
HIA chief economist Harley Dale revealed that dwelling commencements have been moving backwards since 2010, presenting the picture of an industry in serious decline.
It is crucial the government takes this on board and offers it a fillip through investment and regulatory changes, he explained.
"Recent encouraging moves by some state governments notwithstanding, the continued deterioration in new housing supply is a poor indictment on Australia's policymakers," added Mr Dale.
Dwelling commencements dropped by 12.6 per cent in the March quarter, according to the ABS.
The HIA recently praised the government's move to re-examine the country's building code system, suggesting that streamlining it will help boost the industry.
Posted by Steve Douglas