❓ The WA parliamentary question raises concerns about the exodus of tradies from the construction industry and its impact on housing targets. The Minister's response outlines government incentives and training programs aimed at addressing the skills shortage.

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?

(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.