The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) notes the Federal Government’s proposed changes to the tax system and the ongoing debate about how best to tackle Australia’s housing affordability and supply crisis. While the detail is still before the Parliament and yet to be passed into law, NAWIC is clear that any tax reform package must support increased housing supply, a sustainable construction industry, and much higher participation by women across all roles in the sector.
NAWIC recognises that tax settings including those relating to property, investment and housing related incentives are powerful levers in shaping what gets built, where, and for whom. Changes that successfully improve the economics of new housing, including social and affordable housing and build to rent projects, can help unlock more construction activity, smooth the pipeline of work, and create new, long term opportunities for women in trades, professional and leadership roles.
At the same time, NAWIC cautions that poorly designed reforms that dampen construction activity or increase uncertainty for investors and community housing providers risk undermining national housing supply targets and constraining employment in an industry where women still make up only a small minority of the workforce. With women already facing well documented barriers to entry and progression in construction, NAWIC is concerned that any slowdown in housing delivery would make it even harder to attract, retain and advance women across trades, professional and leadership roles.
NAWIC therefore calls on the Government, Opposition and crossbench to ensure that the final tax package:
- Supports sustained and increased investment in new housing supply, particularly social and affordable housing and long term rental so that builders, subcontractors and their employees have the certainty they need to invest in skills and careers.
- Is assessed through a gender lens, including an explicit examination of the impact on women’s employment and progression in construction and related supply chains.
- Aligns with existing commitments such as national housing accords and skills initiatives that aim to increase the number of women apprentices, trainees and professionals in construction by 2030.
- Is accompanied by complementary measures such as investment in training, safe and inclusive workplaces that upskill the workforce, build strong, inclusive cultures and enable women to take up and sustain careers in construction as the housing pipeline grows.
NAWIC looks forward to engaging constructively with the Government and all parties as the legislation progresses, and to working with industry partners to ensure any new tax settings translate into real projects, quality jobs and tangible improvements in housing outcomes for communities across Australia.
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