As the clock counts down on the 2024/25 Victorian State Budget set to be delivered next Tuesday, May 7, Master Builders Victoria (MBV) says it remains hopeful that some of the keys measures it submitted to the Government for consideration will be met favorably with new funding.

MBV CEO Michaela Lihou says the ongoing and persistent challenges the building and construction industry has faced – particularly since the pandemic – means that significant changes in priorities and funding are urgently required for one of the largest sectors in the state’s economy.

“From both an industry and Government perspective, we simply can’t keep doing things the same way if we want to see effective changes,” she says.

“Which is why in our detailed budget submission we focused on four key areas which we believe can deliver major benefits with appropriate support, particularly in light of the Government’s ambitious target of delivering 800,000 new homes over the next decade.”

MBV’s submission focuses on four priority areas:

  • Skills and training
  • Housing affordability
  • Supporting building and construction businesses
  • Innovation and sustainability

“We know that a lack of appropriately skilled trades is putting a stranglehold on the building and construction industry right across the country and unfortunately Victoria is not exempt from this major problem,” says Ms Lihou.

“And we need to start thinking differently about how we can deliver affordable and sustainable housing. We also need to rethink some of the roadblocks that currently slow down the processes of approvals and investments, including the potential elimination of stamp duty tax to boost demand.”

The MBV submission also calls on the government to rethink urban densities and land supply and calls on Victorian Planning Authority to urgently lead, develop and deliver a pipeline of state-led releases across regional Victoria with an initial focus on the Wodonga, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo areas.

“We know that with any state budget there are many competing calls for a limited pot of funds,” says Ms Lihou.

“But we believe the Victorian building and construction industry is facing significant and ongoing challenges which deserve urgent funding priority.”

“We remain hopeful that the Government will see the merit in some of our proposals and work with us to deliver meaningful changes for all Victorians.”

 

Master Builders Victoria CEO Michaela Lihou is available for comment.

Media enquiries: Leigh McClusky 0411 711 780.