New Zealand tradies offered $10,000 to move to WA in bid to help housing crisis

First it was a raid on east coast tradies. Now, the WA Government is looking to New Zealand, offering Kiwis tradies $10,000 each to move to the west and build much needed houses. Premier Roger Cook says the cash for tradies initiative will come into play in January next year. “Earlier this month we announced my government’s $10,000 Build a Life in WA incentive to get more tradies living and working in WA,” Mr Cook said. “I’m pleased to say we’re building on the program and we’re casting the net across the ditch to New Zealand.” Industry figures say WA needs at least 120,000 skilled tradies over the next decade just to keep up with existing demand for properties. With WA’s population now having tipped over 3 million, the demand for housing in the west has never been greater. The Housing Industry Association says there are currently 23,000 homes under construction, but getting tradies to finish builds is proving tough with a shortage of everything from plasterers and carpenters to painters and plumbers. Under the Build a Life in WA initiative, suitably qualified Australian citizens and residents from all Australian States and territories — as well as New Zealand citizens eligible for a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) on arrival in Australia — will be able to apply for the $10,000 from January 2025. Eligible occupations are aligned with the existing Construction Visa Subsidy Program list and include critical trades such as bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, glazing, plumbing, and tiling. An initial $5000 payment will be paid when the skilled worker has secured employment with a WA building and construction employer, with a further $5000 payment available once the recipient has completed six months of employment in the industry. “Whether it’s training locals or encouraging skilled workers to venture west, my government is doing everything possible to get more boots on the ground and tradies on the tools, so we can get homes built sooner,” Mr Cook said. “With our strong economy, secure employment and great lifestyle, it’s an exciting time to live and work in WA. “I look forward to welcoming tradies and building professionals from all over the country and New Zealand to the best State in Australia.” The Government will launch a public awareness program in the Eastern States and New Zealand over December and January to promote the initiative using radio, digital platforms and newspapers. Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk said she hoped the scheme would bring a wave of tradies to WA. “You’ve heard of ten-pound poms — well, we’re hoping this incentive will bring a wave of $10K tradies to WA. “Since announcing plans for our Build a Life in WA incentive we’re already seeing strong interest from skilled building and construction workers wanting to move west.”