With our state experiencing a building and construction boom, the reliance on our sector to keep the Victorian economy growing has never been more important.

However, many building and construction businesses are struggling from the crippling effects of supply chain problems, large price hikes in key materials such as timber and steel, limited land availability, a fragmented planning system, a shortage of skilled tradespeople and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since early 2021, Master Builders Victoria (MBV) has consistently raised awareness of the supply chain issues impacting our industry.

As such, MBV welcomes the Victorian Government’s response to the supply chain challenges by the Commissioner for Better Regulation and Red Tape Commissioner, Anna Cronin, where it supported nine out of 10 key recommendations. 

However, MBV is disappointed that the Victorian Government has not supported a measure to allow builders to share some of these cost increases with clients.   

MBV continues to advocate to find solutions to supply and skills shortages to ensure that Victoria maintains a strong building and construction industry and supports our state’s post-COVID economic recovery. 

In our submission to the 2022-23 Victorian State Budget, MBV has focused on sustainable economic recovery measures as everyone continues to navigate this pandemic.  

We have asked the Victorian Government to: 

  • Support the future of our industry by reducing the regulatory burden and duplication.
  • Place greater urgency on the Victorian Planning Authority to lead, develop, and deliver a pipeline of state-led land releases across Victoria, with an initial focus on Wodonga, Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo.
  • Eliminate stamp duty and replace it with a more broad-based land tax to encourage households to upsize and downsize, benefiting both home buyers and the Victorian economy.
  • To provide tax relief for building and construction businesses – many of whom are small businesses.

These measures will ensure that our sector and Victoria’s economy will thrive for many years to come.         

However, in the meantime, and during these continuing unprecedented times, we encourage consumers to be kind and patient with builders – everyone is doing their best in some exceptionally challenging circumstances.

 

Rebecca Casson

CEO, Master Builders Victoria