Proposed radical changes to tax laws would devastate housing affordability in Australia, according to the country's Housing Industry Association (HIA).
Graham Wolfe, the HIA's chief executive, called for the federal government to reject these plans to impose extra taxes as well as other restrictions on independent contracting.
He said that the existing tax laws are "fundamentally sound" for assessing the work carried out by contractors.
"Governments should recognise the significant, beneficial and welcome contribution that contractors make to the Australian economy and in particular to affordable housing," Mr Wolfe added.
He stressed that the government should not bow to the demands of unions who want to see "flexible, efficient and cost-effective independent contractors" replaced with unionised employees.
For those seeking affordable Australian property, research published earlier this month by the Real Estate Institute of Australia suggests that the Australian Capital Territory is the place for them to look.
The proportion of income required to meet loan repayments in this area is 18 per cent, compared to 38 per cent in New South Wales.
Posted by Steve Douglas
