Western Australia ADAM DRAKE–BROCKMAN The challenging market of 2016 PRESIDENT continued into the early part of WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2017. With the state election looming in March, HIA continued its lobbying efforts on both sides of politics. As expected Labor was elected comfortably, winning 41 of the 59 seats in Parliament. While the fiscal challenge facing the incoming government was quickly evident, HIA was successful in ensuring important Keystart and stamp duty concessions for first JOHN GELAVIS homebuyers remained. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HIA’s focus then shifted to WESTERN AUSTRALIA assisting the new government to delivery on several key election promises, including private certification, planning reforms and training. As the year progressed negative commentary regarding the Western Australian economy A state election, a new government, and the housing market proposed new laws and changes to moderated and made way for the the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) buzz words ‘green shoots’. were among the high priority areas 2017 ended with a degree of for HIA’s lobbying effort in 2017. The confidence that the worst is year began with HIA successfully behind us, but an understanding lobbying to increase both Keystart that the recovery will be slow. and FHOG benefits. Positive sentiment and HIA’s policy manifesto,Housing confidence has returned. Western Australians, set the policy The HIA awards season agenda for the industry during the provided a glimpse of an upbeat state elections. While the incoming industry, with record numbers of Labor Government looked to the entries and strong attendance FHOG to reduce spending, HIA by members to all events in all lobbied to retain the funding, and the regions. introduce a range of incentives to kickstart housing activity. HIA also presented the industry’s voice on home indemnity insurance, security of payments, planning and R–codes, non–conforming building products, training levies, OH&S and many other areas of regulation and red tape. HIA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 21|