The WA Government is launching an innovative industry partnership is says will help to boost housing growth and a skilled workforce by supporting new and existing registered builders.
The WA Builder Support Program will provide grants of $300,000 each to the Housing Industry Association of Western Australia (HIA) and the Master Builders Association of Western Australia (MBA) over the next two years.
The HIA and MBA will deliver initiatives to help skilled and qualified tradespeople become registered builders, including training about registration requirements and processes, said Commerce Minister, Tony Buti.
“The Cook Labor Government is committed to ensuring more houses get built for our growing population and robust economy,” said Dr Buti.
“Delivering this election commitment involves working productively and innovatively with the building industry to ensure the construction workforce is suitably skilled and ready.
“We want industry participants to step up and become registered builders to take on these housing projects. We also want existing builders to have strong, stable businesses.
“The WA Builder Support Program offers an exciting opportunity to reach these target groups and it is one of many examples of our government’s nation-leading housing plan in action.”
The Minister said the associations will also support existing registered builders with guidance on business management and financial and regulatory compliance.
“With strong housing demand and a resilient economic outlook, Western Australia needs greater builder capacity to meet its share of the National Housing Accord,” said HIA WA Executive Director, Michael McGowan.
“HIA recognises that becoming a registered builder is a significant step – and often a challenging one. The WA Builder Support Program is designed to guide and support industry professionals through this transition.
“By equipping aspiring builders with the technical and business skills needed to run sustainable building businesses, the program will play a vital role in expanding WA’s housing supply.”
Master Builders Association WA CEO, Matt Moran said the new initiative will help grow the state’s building and construction workforce to deliver more homes.
“This funding helps support people wanting to be registered builders and fast-track their applications with dedicated assistance and guidance,” he said.
“The WA Builder Support Program is a game changer at a time when we need to build the number of qualified and skilled people in our industry to keep up with a growing population and increasing demand.”
Western Australia’s registration system aims to ensure builders have the skills, experience and business stability to deliver safe and compliant services. Building practitioner registration is needed to oversee this work as a nominated supervisor.
