new beginnings The lead up to next year’s Federal Election will be critical for Australia and for our industry. HIA stands well prepared for the challenges ahead. The saying ‘politics is stranger twice each year, and will next meet in Las Vegas in than fiction’ played out again February 2019. in late August, when Scott I am delighted to confirm the location for the Morrison became Australia’s 2019 HIA National Conference and HIA–CSR 30th Prime Minister. Australian Housing Awards, to be held in Perth from Beyond the intrigue and theatre of the 23rd to 25th May. I invite you to pencil the date in Federal Liberal party’s leadership spill on your diary. that cold Canberra Friday after Parliament HIA has been very fortunate to have had Shane rose from its winter session, with the flurry of Goodwin as its Managing Director for the last nine media commentary, analysis and critique that years. Shane has provided strong leadership to followed, is a nation in desperate need of stability,the Association and has made the HIA a respected strong government, policy vision and leadership. champion and the voice of the residential building Pino Monaco That responsibility now rests with Prime Minister industry in Australia. Our members now enjoy HIA National Scott Morrison. strong representation and services that are President Continuing the march to a surplus budget, essential to doing business. Shane has been a arresting our national debt trajectory, increasing strong and tireless advocate for the interests of our and expanding employment opportunities and members and has been fearless in defending their retaining population growth levels that reflect our rights. demographic and economic challenges are core It is a great credit to Shane that he leaves issues for the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. HIA stronger than ever with a positive, resilient Importantly, Prime Minister Morrison knows culture that underpins our dealings with members, the residential building industry and has engaged sponsors, partners, staff, governments and with HIA for many years. He is well informed consumers. Shane has been appointed to the about the contribution our industry makes to National Board as a non-executive director where the Australian economy, to national productivity, he will work with the other directors to advance the employment and to government revenue. He interests of our Association. understands the impact of taxation on housing affordability, the necessity for all Australians to Prime Minister Morrison knows the have access to an affordable home (owner- residential building industry and has occupiers and renters alike), and the impact of engaged with HIA for many years changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax on housing supply. During August, HIA hosted a meeting of the On behalf of all our members I thank Shane for International Housing Association in Canberra. his enormous contribution to HIA and housing Chaired by HIA’s Chief Executive - Industry Policy, across Australia. On behalf of the HIA family, I wish Kristin Brookfield, the two-day meeting drew him the very best in his retirement. IHA members from Canada, Japan, Malaysia, The National Board is very pleased to welcome Myanmar, Norway, Brazil, South Africa, Taiwan Graham Wolfe as our Managing Director. Graham and the USA. The meeting addressed topics and has a wealth of experience in the housing industry, challenges common to IHA member countries, and is well known to our members and staff around including industry skills and training, housing Australia. The National Board looks forward to supply, affordability, infrastructure, population working with Graham as he takes the HIA into the growth and access to finance. The IHA meets next phase. We wish Graham every success. SEPTEMBER 2018 HOUSING 7 PRESIDENT’S REPORT