Just recently, I was able to meet with the Japanese Minister for Construction and we were able to strengthen co-operation between Australia and Japan in the areas of housing and infrastructure development. The deregulation of the Japanese housing sector has great prospects for Australia. A huge market which we can tap because of our competitiveness and quality product. We have some of the world's best housing, and one of the world's most efficient housing sectors. We have the technology and the capacity as a nation to meet export demand.
Success depends on our ability to work together.
The Government recognises that there are barriers which impact on the industry's ability to compete effectively in overseas markets and is already taking steps to minimise them. The HIA recently conducted a survey of 600 of its member builders. I am pleased to be able to say that, the Government is already working towards realising a number of these key objectives. These are measures, which I believe, will go a long way in providing the kind opportunities that you need, but have long been denied. Small business contributes significantly to the Australian economy.