The Australian government is planning to invest $90 million in the upcoming budget to address the ongoing housing crisis. This investment will be used to cover the education costs of 20,000 people, with the goal of boosting the construction sector.
The government is also looking to overseas for help, hoping to find 4,500 migrants to fill gaps in the construction sector. This includes 1,900 migrants from countries with comparable qualifications to Australia, such as the UK and France, and 2,600 migrants with construction skills that are not recognized in Australia but who will be fast-tracked by completing practical tests.
The government is also considering providing further rental support in the budget, as rental prices continue to rise. However, the government has ruled out changes to negative gearing or other housing tax reforms.
The construction industry has welcomed the government's announcement, saying that it will help address skills shortages in the sector. However, the industry is urging the government to consider ongoing financial incentives for employers to take on apprentices.