A leading construction lobby group has called for coronavirus stimulus measures to be directed at the housing sector, arguing that measures which support residential building will benefit the broader economy.

As the Morrison government finalises its stimulus package, Housing Industry Association (HIA) says residential building should be a priority area for help.

“As the Australian government looks to respond to the current global financial uncertainty and identify appropriate policies and stimulus measures to enact, the residential building industry should be one of the most supported,” said HIA Chief Executive Industry Policy, Kristin Brookfield.

In a statement, Brookfield said residential building had a track record of supporting economic growth and stability.

Overall, Australia’s construction sector employs more than 1.1 billion Australians, she pointed out.

Speaking of the residential side of the industry, she added that the sector generated more than $105 billion in economic activity during 2018 and accounted for around 5.8 percent of expenditure throughout the economy.

Home building had been an important element of stimulus efforts during the 2009 global financial crisis, Brookfield noted.

The industry also supported other sectors such as manufacturing,

In particular, Brookfield stressed the need for greater apprenticeship support.

“Trade skills and training has been suffering from a pronounced gap in funding and government support for some time,” Brookfield said.

“It is vital that apprentices are supported. Uncertain times can make it difficult for apprentices to find work or to continue their training. It is important to avoid creating a gap in industry training.

“Maintaining a strong residential building workforce must be a goal. Any stimulus aimed at the residential building sector should focus on ensuring the current workforce remain on task and ensuring young people see the opportunity to move into a career in building and take up new apprenticeships.”

The latest call comes as the Morrison government moves to finalise its packages of measures to help stimulate the economy in response to the virus.

The stimulus measures are believed to be worth around $10 billion.