The “More Homes For Aussies” campaign focuses on increasing housing supply across all sectors including social, affordable, rental, and owner-occupied housing.
Independent research reveals housing is now the top election issue for many Australians, with one in four voters identifying it as their most important concern.
The research also found 70 per cent of Australians believe the federal government has not done enough to address the crisis.
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said that supply shortages have been a critical issue.
“While it’s been decades in the making, Australians rightfully expect it to be solved today,” Ms Wawn said.
The industry group, which represents over 445,000 building and construction businesses and 1.35 million workers, has outlined specific policies needed to alleviate the housing crisis.
These include developing more skilled workers, improving the migration system, focusing on critical infrastructure, and ensuring concrete action on housing supply.
The campaign also identifies policies that would worsen the situation, such as changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax that could reduce new home construction and increase rents.
Anti-business industrial relations laws and excessive building regulations are also cited as potential obstacles.
Ms Wawn said she was frustrated at the current approach to the housing crisis.
“Builders and tradies are frustrated,” she said.
“We can’t keep tinkering at the edges, focusing on demand levers that do nothing to solve the problem, and dragging our feet on delivering existing supply constraint commitments.
“We need action on the ground now.”
The campaign will target 40 key electorates across Australia with high concentrations of building and construction businesses, tradies, renters, and homeowners under mortgage stress.
Master Builders plans to release weekly scorecards rating how major parties are performing against their housing solutions checklist.
Master Builders is calling for a coordinated approach led by the federal government.
“Housing is not a political football to be passed around from local, state and federal governments,” Ms Wawn said.
“It requires a coordinated approach with the Federal Government leading the way.
“What kind of Australia are we building if we can’t even provide adequate housing options for people now?”
