“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is concerned about the impact the Federal Governments fuel emissions standards will have on the cost of doing business for tradies,” said Simon Croft, HIA Chief Executive – Industry & Policy.

“The Federal Government has stated that the new emissions standards won’t increase the costs of utes, 4WD’s or other light-commercial vehicles nor restrict access to these types vehicles going forward.”

“But other industry experts claim to have modelling that shows the new laws will add significant upfront costs and are likely to result in car manufacturers needing to scale back the key types of vehicles that our industry relies on to run and operate their businesses.”

“At the moment there is no viable alternative to replace these vehicles,

“The building industry hasn’t been directly consulted on these new emission standards, despite their potential direct impacts and we would encourage the Federal Government to engage with our industry on the timing and introduction of the proposed new laws,

“Over the past three years, the building industry has faced significant construction price increases, arising from material and labour shortages, as well a range of changes to building, WHS, taxation and business compliance costs.”

“Any further added costs, complexities or regulatory impediments being layered over the top of our industry at this time will only make their jobs harder and have downstream impacts on housing supply and affordability.”

“HIA understands the intent of the proposed emission standards in reducing fuel costs and lowering emissions, however, the uncertainty of new laws and lack of information being released is not helpful.”

“Therefore, we would encourage the Government to release their modelling to provide clarity and certainty on the new proposed laws to allow industry to adequately gauge the impact of the laws,

“If the Government wants to build 1.2 million houses in 5 years it needs to consider the needs of the workers who are responsible for reaching that target, concluded Mr Croft.