Following the 2025 Australian federal election, the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) said the industry is eager to harness the momentum and make our country healthier, more sustainable, and more productive.
AIRAH CEO Sami Zheng, Affil.AIRAH, said her first response to the election result was relief.
“Our members were alarmed at some of the policies put forward by the opposition,” she said, “in particular the pursuit of nuclear power that would extend the use of fossil fuels, and also the plan to freeze the National Construction Code for 10 years. The election results clearly show that Australians did not support these ideas.”
However, Zheng also warns that the Australian Government cannot afford to rest on the strong election result.
“Australians have given the government a mandate to keep working,” she said. “We expect to see great progress over the coming term.”
Healthier people, healthier planet
Zheng’s first area of focus is improving the well-being of building occupants, particularly by safeguarding indoor air quality.
“Improving indoor air quality is perhaps the greatest opportunity of our generation to lift the quality of life of all Australians,” she said. “We can improve people’s health and productivity while protecting the most vulnerable people in our society. We look forward to continuing our positive conversations with the Australian Government and turning these into concrete actions.”
Zheng said the built environment is ready to play a leading role when addressing climate change, with proven technologies and strategies, unlike many hard-to-abate sectors. Through instruments such as the Sectoral Net Zero plan, Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, expanded NABERS and CBD schemes, stronger policy on refrigerant gases, and ongoing funding for three-yearly revisions to the National Construction Code, she said Australians can have the buildings they deserve, without overburdening the environment.
“It is right that the housing crisis has been a focus throughout the election,” said Zheng. “But there is little value in building hundreds of thousands of new houses if they will not provide adequate living conditions in 10-20 years. Australians need quantity and quality.”
Workforce priorities
To deliver these goals, Australia needs a strong and plentiful workforce. In the building and construction sector, that means more engineers and more trades.
“It all starts with expanding the talent pipeline,” said Zheng. “In schools, we need to keep engaging all students with STEM subjects. We also need to recognise the value of vocational education and training, rather than treating it like the poor cousin to university. This requires a holistic, nuanced approach – free TAFE places are a good start, but this must be supported by investment in the facilities and the educators.”
Overall, Zheng said the Government’s second term presents an opportunity.
“We are excited about working with the Australian government to tackle the big issues facing Australians and making a better world with HVAC&R.”
AIRAH has prepared a document directed at the re-elected Government outlining the Institute’s policy priorities.
Click here to access and download our policy priorities statement.
