❓ Hon Anthony Spagnolo raises concerns about the exodus of tradies from WA's construction industry and its impact on housing targets. The Minister responds by outlining existing government incentives and training programs.
AnsweredQoN 1210Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Nearly 20,000 tradies have left Western Australia’s construction industry in just one year, leaving builders desperate for workers and projects delayed. I ask: (a) what is the Government doing to stop the exodus of skilled workers from the residential construction sector; (b) can the Minister confirm whether the Government has assessed the impact of $20,000 defence recruitment incentives on the local housing workforce; and (c) given these shortages, how does the Minister expect to meet housing targets when builders cannot find enough tradies to get the job done?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 April 2026
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Skills and TAFE
Response time
8 days
(1-3)
The State Government provides employer incentives for building and construction trades workers including the GTO Wage Subsidy, Jobs and Skills WA Employer Incentive, Adult Apprenticeship Employer Incentive, Construction Visa Subsidy Program, the Build a Life in WA Incentive. The Construction Training Fund also provides Employer Grants and direct apprenticeship support.
There are more than 60 free and low fee courses and skill sets aligned with roles in the building and construction industry.
The $20,000 defence industries incentive for 435 apprenticeships supports advanced manufacturing in Western Australia.
The State Government provides employer incentives for building and construction trades workers including the GTO Wage Subsidy, Jobs and Skills WA Employer Incentive, Adult Apprenticeship Employer Incentive, Construction Visa Subsidy Program, the Build a Life in WA Incentive. The Construction Training Fund also provides Employer Grants and direct apprenticeship support.
There are more than 60 free and low fee courses and skill sets aligned with roles in the building and construction industry.
The $20,000 defence industries incentive for 435 apprenticeships supports advanced manufacturing in Western Australia.
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