Interior Fitout Association

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This week, IFA CEO Belinda Clarke and Board Member Louise Sidgreaves represented the Interior Fitout Association (IFA) at Parliament House as part of the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF), joining 23 Associations from across the built environment to mark 25 years of coordinated advocacy. We had discussions with Ministers and Shadow Ministers including Clare O’Neil, Catherine King, Dr Anne Aly, Andrew Leigh, Ed Husic, Bridget McKenzie, Matt O’Sullivan and Alex Hawke. Australia cannot meet its housing, infrastructure, commercial delivery targets or Olympic deadlines without urgent action on skills, safety and regulatory consistency. Thanks to the members who reached out with topics to be discussed at Parliament. From an Interior Fitout perspective, we highlighted the following priorities: 1. Skilled Labour Shortages Fitout companies are struggling to source qualified trades, driving delays and cost pressures. Targeted skilled migration and fitout-specific VET investment are urgently needed. 2. Apprenticeship Pathways The move toward installation-only models is reducing opportunities for cabinetmaking, joinery and shopfitting apprentices. Our trades need targeted incentives, not generic carpentry programs. 3. NSW Interior Designers and Building Designers Current rules requiring Interior Designers to work under an architect for certain projects are outdated and limiting. This is restricting business growth, career progression and project diversity. 4. National Harmonisation of Compliance Different licensing, WHS and certification rules in each state are creating unnecessary duplication and cost. A coordinated national approach is essential. 5. Safety: Free Access to Standards Safety should never be behind a paywall. Free access to all referenced Standards would reduce compliance errors, lift quality and support small business. 6. Workforce Housing for the 2032 Olympics Trade workers and apprentices are already struggling to access affordable accommodation near major project sites. This challenge will intensify as Olympic works ramp up. Government engagement was positive, and there is clear appetite for practical, industry-led solutions. The focus now shifts to strategic follow-up to ensure these issues remain on the national agenda. We are proud to represent the Interior Fitout sector - the people who bring Australia’s built environments to life and to stand alongside ACIF as we work toward a stronger, safer, more capable industry.

Unlock Qantas Club Perks with an IFA Membership! ✈️ As an IFA member, you are eligible to join the IFA Qantas Club Corporate Scheme so you can enjoy access to all Qantas Club entitlements at a discounted rate, while we take care of the paperwork for you.  Hear what one of our valued members has to say about the benefit. “Aura Lighting really appreciated how easy IFA made accessing the discounted Qantas Club corporate membership - great service and a smooth, simple process from start to finish.”- Dan Palmer, Director & General Manager at AURA Lighting  Fly better as an IFA Member. Contact our National Office to discuss membership options, or visit: https://lnkd.in/gnmq7WiP

We’re proud to recognise Dynamic Closures for their incredible ongoing support as an IFA National Elite Partner. Now entering their third year of the current partnership term, Dynamic Closures Corporation has been a valued part of our national partner family since 2015. Their commitment to innovation and quality continues to strengthen our industry, and we’re grateful for their long-standing partnership and contribution to our community. Thank you, Dynamic Closures!

It’s time to get into the festive spirit! Join the IFA QLD community for a fun Christmas catch-up – good cheer, laughs, and a drink or two 🥂 Look for our merry crew near the ferry stop outdoor seating (swipe to see the map for our exact spot). Dress code: Your most festive outfit! Food & drinks: Casual drinks and meals available. Extras: Family and furry friends are welcome too! Rain or shine: If the weather isn’t on our side, we’ll move the party into the Barrel Hall. 🗓️ Friday 12 December 🕛4:30pm 📍Felons Howard Smith Wharves (see map) RSVP: Stephanie Dowland: admin@ifassociation.com.au

Congratulations to The Barrett Group, winners of our South Australia Fitout of the Year award for their extraordinary work on The Hour Glass Adelaide. This meticulously crafted boutique redefines luxury retail—harmonising architectural elegance with horological precision. Home to premier brands including Rolex, Tudor and Hublot, the space is designed as an immersive experience for designer watch collectors and connoisseurs alike. At its centre is the breathtaking “Temporal Grid” chandelier: a 1.5-tonne sculptural feat inspired by Adelaide’s city layout. Suspended with engineering precision in a high-seismic zone, it anchors the boutique both visually and conceptually, symbolising the interplay of time, structure and place. From globally sourced, brand-specific joinery to masterful detailing and curated lighting, every element demanded uncompromising accuracy. Overcoming complex logistics and intricate technical coordination, The Barrett Group delivered a space that balances individual brand identities within a cohesive, refined interior. The result? A boutique that elevates retail into an evocative cultural experience—where luxury, craftsmanship and design meet in perfect harmony.

Join us for the NSW Division’s Christmas get-together! It’s the perfect chance to unwind after a busy year, enjoy some relaxed conversation, and connect with fellow members before the holidays. Our Board Chair, Chris Hookham, along with our newest Board member, Louise Sidgreaves, will be joining us on the day and are looking forward to chatting with members and hearing your thoughts firsthand. Feel free to bring a friend and share in the festive cheer. It’s a casual, pay-your-own-way catch-up, and we’d love to see you there as we wrap up 2025 together. 🗓️ Thursday 27th November 🕛4pm 📍Hunters Hill Hotel 64/68 Gladesville Rd Hunters Hill RSVP: nswstateco@ifassociation.com.au

📣 We’re taking your voice to Canberra - what should be on the agenda? 📣  IFA CEO Belinda Clarke will be in Canberra on 24–25 November for meetings with Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) and key federal policymakers, ensuring the voice of our industry – especially small and medium-sized fitout businesses – is heard in national discussions. Topics raised by members – including skills shortages linked to 2032 Brisbane Olympics preparations and the broader capacity of our sector to deliver future projects – will be front and centre. Belinda is scheduled to meet with: 🔸Hon Dr Anne Aly MP – Minister for Small Business 🔸Hon Catherine King MP – Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development 🔸Hon Clare O'Neil MP – Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities 🔸Hon Andrew Leigh MP – Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury 🔸Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie – Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development 🔸Hon Alex Hawke MP – Shadow Minister for Industry and Innovation 🔸Senator Matt O'Sullivan – Assistant Shadow Minister for Infrastructure 🔸Hon Ed Husic MP – Member for Chifley, former Minister for Industry IFA members: if there are specific issues you’d like raised, or if you would like Belinda to request a meeting with a particular minister or department on your behalf, please get in touch via email national_office@ifassociation.com.au

A big thank you to long-term IFA member Cabinet Makers Insurance Brokers - CMIB for renewing as a National 'State' Partner! We’re proud to have CMIB’s continued partnership and support of the IFA community. CMIB is a specialist insurance broker; dealing solely with businesses associated with the cabinet making, shop fitting, joinery, built-in furniture, stair, windows and door industries Australia wide. Offering comprehensive products with the most competitive premiums available, CMIB promises provide you with expert advice and service. For more information, visit

Stay connected, stay inspired, and stay at the forefront…with Interior Fitout – IFA’s quarterly magazine designed to keep you ahead of the curve in the world of commercial fitouts. What's inside? 🔸 Be inspired by our Project Spotlights, celebrating the craftsmanship and creativity of IFA members — from innovative designs to cutting-edge techniques setting new industry standards. 🔸 Expert insights on HR, workplace safety, finance and legal essentials — all tailored for the interior fitout industry. 🔸 Explore new and innovative products shaping the future of interiors — from decorative finishes and lighting to flooring, glass, software, and more. 🔸 Learn from Leaders and Rising Stars driving innovation and redefining what’s possible in interior fitout and design. Read the current issue and subscribe to the print and/or digital version of Interior Fitout magazine here: https://lnkd.in/g8sKKraj 📩 For editorial enquiries, please contact our National Office national_office@IFAssociation.com.au 📩 For advertising enquiries, please contact sales@ifassociation.com.au