Queensland's real estate lobby says people are too afraid to point out that unions are driving up the cost of housing, but an economist says that while wage growth is a contributing factor, so too are growing material costs, labour shortages and excessive government regulations.

In short: The Real Estate Institute of Queensland says high-paying government projects are pushing up the cost of construction.

An economist says growing wages are a contributing factor, but growing material costs, labour shortages, and excessive government regulations are in the way of development.

What’s next?: The government has vowed to build 55,000 social houses by the year 2046.

Crazy how the wealthiest people in society are all those over paid tradies

  • @abhibeckert@lemmy.world
    6•5 months ago

    Unfortunately the building industry can’t possibly survive without the unions and red tape.

    The lack of compliance, on everything from worker safety to common sense things like “make sure this wall is actually strong enough to stay upright”, is horrifically poor and would be so much worse if builders were given more freedom.