Labor hands $600,000 to housing industry groups to help solve Perth’s builder shortage

Housing industry groups have been handed $600,000 to sign-up more builders, as they offered a “united front” for the Cook Government’s efforts to plug a housing shortage.

The funding boost will be split between the Housing Industry Association and the Master Builders Association, which has previously warned “more urgency” is needed to stop Perth’s housing backlog getting worse.

Standing next to Commerce Minister Tony Buti on Wednesday, Master Builders’ WA boss Matt Moran was more diplomatic.

“The issues around housing are great, but I think a united front with the Government and with industry bodies will help move the dial,” he said.

“This is a pragmatic policy, and we thank the government for their initiative.”

Housing and Planning Minister John Carey has blamed global supply chain issues — due to the Ukraine war — for rising construction costs, after dwelling approvals in WA fell 2.5 per cent in September.

But he questioned the Master Builders Association’s claim that costs have surged 83.9 per cent since 2019.

Mr Carey claimed costs have only increased 30 to 40 per cent.

“Respectfully, that’s not the information that’s been provided by other other stakeholders,” he said on Tuesday.

“Every State is facing the same cost escalations and pressures. We’re no different, but I do point to the range of statistics that show that Western Australia is doing better than other states.”

Mr Moran, a former Liberal Party candidate, denied they’re at odds.

“I haven’t spoken to the minister, but he’s hard working and he’s pragmatic and I have no doubt that he will put in place good measures at the next year’s Budget,” he said.

“We were talking about two different figures. I think we were comparing apples with oranges. We were referring to the price it costs to buy a house now for owner-occupiers, compared to 2019 and the figure we have is around 80 per cent. That’s the ABS data.

“Construction costs have increased. Everyone acknowledges that, and we need to work in a united way to increase supply. The issue is supply.”

Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said the onus for supply should be on Mr Carey.

“He’s the Housing Minister. He’s the planning minister. All of this falls in his remit. And I think we have to accept that John Carey is not very good at his job,” he said.

“We are the only State where the number of dwellings in this category fell . . . He might be pulling every lever, but it’s not working. Maybe it’s time for somebody else to have a go.”

Dr Buti said the Builder Support Program’s grants will go towards training, to help tradespeople upskill and become registered builders.

He denied it could create a pathway for dodgy builders to gain credibility, while a review of the State’s home building contract laws continues.

“It’s nothing about fast tracking. It’s about ensuring that those that are capable of being registered builders do become registered builders,” Dr Buti said.

“And those that are on the registered building list receive extra training and support if they need.

“It’s about boosting and increasing the capability of the building industry in Western Australia.”