CRAIG MUSE Industry activity remained strong with PRESIDENT a record number of homes built in VICTORIA 2017 – nearly 65,000 in total. HIA welcomed the first home buyer initiatives in the state budget and the package of reforms that included a doubling of the First Home Owner Grant in regional Victoria. HIA opposed state government initiatives to deter foreign investors and lobbied against red tape and regulatory interference. FIONA NIELD President’s lunches and Industry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Outlook breakfast events held during VICTORIA 2017 provided networking opportunities and a source of dialogue between members and key government ministers and members of the opposition cabinet. Regional information functions and award nights saw a record number of entries into the Victorian Housing 2017 was a year of record housing Awards program and a record activity in Victoria. Worryingly, it was number in attendance at the Awards also a year of regulatory change and dinner in November. government interference. Working towards a higher uptake HIA successfully lobbied to secure of apprentices and more highly important parameters to the Victorian skilled entrants to the housing Government’s new indictable industry was a priority during 2017. offences legislation, which introduced HIA offered its industry expertise to the prospect of jail sentences for assist the government as it shapes building permit breaches. its new continuing professional HIA worked tirelessly to achieve development scheme – ensuring it better outcomes on proposed will be industry lead and delivered in changes to builder’s registration, an effective and practical manner. building permit matters, regulation With a state election to be held in of owner builders and contractual early 2018, the foundations were laid changes. Advocacy continued for a strong and active lobbying across the next wave of regulatory campaign to guide both government changes, including mandatory and opposition policies on housing continuing professional for all Victorians. development, corporate registration requirements, new building enforcement powers and redrafted building regulations. In response to land shortages, HIA challenged the Victorian Government to create a faster and more reliable supply pipeline of build-ready land in Melbourne’s growth areas and provided input into the Smart Planning Initiative. The year ended on a positive note with the completion of a new home by the Victorian Homeless Fund. Its official opening in December highlighted the networks HIA has Victoria across both the housing industry and broader community. HIA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 29|