Building approvals for homes have increased slightly, although not at the level required to help fix Australia’s housing crisis. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show building approvals for houses rose by 0.5% in August. At the same time approvals for apartments and townhouses fell by 16.5%. Master Builders Australia (MBA) chief economist Shane Garrett says the drop in detached and high-density dwelling approvals is concerning and means Australia will struggle to meet its housing targets. MBA CEO Denita Wawn says a major issue in providing housing is the lack of availability of tradespeople. She says the National Centre for Vocational Education Research shows an “alarming shortfall” in apprentices entering the industry and completing their qualifications. “To bring Australia out of the housing crisis we need to drastically increase the supply of housing and we can’t do that while we’re simultaneously suffering through a labour shortage,” she says. “Until we’re able to address the challenges facing the future of the workforce, we won’t be able to increase building activity.”