‘The transformation of HIA in the 1990s also brought As HIA has changed during Shane’s time, so has together what were different policy positions that the the residential building industry. HIA states often held on the same issue. If I have ‘HIA has had to respond to the changing shape learnt one thing in working with governments over of the industry over the years. The increasing many years, it’s that you cannot go to government importance of multi-unit housing, globalisation of looking for policy changes if the government is receiving the industry’s supply chain, financial innovation, different views from within the same organisation. increasingly demanding clients and the ever- ‘The member-based policy committee structure expanding intrusion of regulation into the day-to-day that HIA introduced over 20 years ago has delivered operation of business. HIA has responded to all this consistent policy view that is so important. these issues. This dynamic isn’t going to stop: HIA The fundamental strength of this system is that the has and will continue to be engaged across all of development of HIA’s policy positions comes from these issues but always with the underlying concern the membership. about their implications for how a member manages ‘With over 1000 members involved in HIA’s the risks in their business.’ ‘I GREATLY committees all feeding into a National Policy Congress HIA’s catch-cry is to be the ‘indispensable there may be vigorous debate right across the business partner’ for its members. In turning APPRECIATE THE committee network but at the end of the debate there this aspiration into action, Shane has led the SUPPORT I HAVE is one HIA view that is then prosecuted. This has development of an expanded range of services and BEEN GIVEN BY given HIA significant clout with all levels of government products for members. HIA MEMBERS across many policy areas over many years. ‘Members are increasingly looking for ways ‘And the policy debates will continue: it is a to outsource aspects of their business to focus THROUGHOUT measure of the organisation’s maturity that these on their core work. I see HIA as providing a key THE COUNTRY' processes can go on but always with the underlying avenue for members to outsource some of their risk positions being driven by all the industry practitioners management,’ Shane says. among the diverse membership,’ Shane says. Vigorous support for policies that improve the As well as a rock-solid commitment to member- affordability of housing is part of HIA’s DNA. Shane based policy, Shane has also championed the has embraced this through his strident lobbying importance of developing both HIA policy and against ill-conceived populist policies that make its member services on the foundation of quality housing more expensive. research. This is most apparent in the substantial ‘Unnecessary increases in the cost of housing are investment that HIA has made over many years in not just bad for the residential building industry; they its economic expertise. HIA’s policy development eat away at the capacity of Australians to be well is frequently underpinned by the quality reports and housed and provide a stable base for everyone to research that HIA Economics undertakes. participate effectively in our society.’ Shane has applied this research-based As he retires from HIA Shane will leave behind an philosophy to all areas of HIA’s endeavours. organisation in great shape. ‘We will not be able to help members manage ‘I greatly appreciate the support I have been given their business risks in any area unless there is by HIA members throughout the country and in a firm basis for the information and advice that particular the many HIA staff that I have worked with we provide. Whether it’s a member looking for over the years: they have been fabulous. I also wish an interpretation of an Australian Standard, a my successor Graham Wolfe every success as he council’s housing code or how to respond to a leads HIA into the future.’ safety issue, HIA has to have quality staff applying While he will have more time for fishing and quality research to provide the answers. ‘Winging it’ playing with old MGs, Shane will also find time to isn’t good enough when we are helping members contribute to the Association as a non-executive mitigate what could be very serious risks to their director on HIA’s board. So his expertise, skills and business and their livelihood.’ strategy will not be lost to the organisation. SEPTEMBER 2018 HOUSING 13 PEOPLE • SHANE GOODWIN