South Australia PETER BAYETTO The state’s residential building PRESIDENT industry experienced another SOUTH AUSTRALIA & challenging year in 2017, with NORTHERN TERRITORY stagnant population growth and a poor economic outlook continuing to impact consumer confidence. Despite this, HIA continued to be on the front foot in promoting our industry and providing quality service to our members. During the year HIA presented submissions and representations on: security of payment, labour hire, licensing of building consultants, STEPHEN KNIGHT licensing of contractors, WHS and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR first aid, and owner–builder SOUTH AUSTRALIA requirements. HIA lobbied the government to extend the first home buyer stamp duty concessions for apartment purchasers to new home builds, and to introduce a housing stimulus program, such as home building The South Australian state election in construction grants, which were March dominated much of HIA’s successfully implemented in advocacy attention both during and 2012/2013. post the election. HIA’s policy HIA held a number of member imperatives provided the foundation forums, most notably on modular for the Association’s extensive construction and concrete lobbying of all political parties. construction, and an extensive Despite a somewhat gloomy outlook program of regional information for the residential building industry in nights for members across 2017, the final number of building the state. commencements was around South SA successfully secured defence Australia’s average levels historically, contracts, which will come online for both new builds and the renovation over the next few years, providing market. Detached housing numbers excellent opportunities for new jobs were marginally down, but the and population growth. HIA increase in multi–units/apartments continued to stress to the lifted to compensate. government the need to prepare High demand for membership with a ready supply of housing services, including HIA Apprentices, options, infrastructure and a well– training, safety services and stationery trained construction workforce. continued throughout the year. The high–calibre 2017 event program concluded with a highly successful HIA Housing, Kitchens & Bathrooms Award night attended by more than a thousand builders, suppliers and their guests. 22 |HIA ANNUAL REPORT 2017