Stimulus Package to benefit housing industry

The Federal Government will invest in new housing as part of its $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan.
The Housing Industry Association's (HIA) Ron Silberberg says the initiative will benefit the housing industry by creating jobs for more than 35,000 Australians, with the potential for another 50,000 jobs to be generated, and it will also help support low-income tenants.
"The measure could not have come at a more appropriate time," he says.
"A number of manufacturers have already made decisions to close plant or to lay off staff.
"This measure will require the industry to tool up and re-hiring is likely to occur as soon as this funding starts flowing."
HIA members from around Australia have shown overwhelming interest in building the 20,000 new houses outlined in the plan.
Silberberg says while the housing industry can deliver, it's important for the package to be dealt with effectively and efficiently.
"We need a flexible and timely process for assessing expressions of interest.
"This is a fiscal stimulus measure and practical measures are required at both the Federal and State Government levels to ensure a speedy and beneficial impact on jobs."