The opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull has told parliament that the federal coalition will oppose the Rudd government’s $42-billion fiscal spending package, under which the stressed housing industry would be handed a $10.5-billion revival package. The stimulus would invest in new construction and improve the energy efficiency of existing homes.

However, the architecture industry has criticized the package for not doing enough to promote the retrofit of existing commercial buildings.

“It’s small office buildings that are missing out,” Caroline Pidcock, director of Sydney-based Pidcock Architects told Architecture & Design.

“We should be directing a lot more with our stimulus packages to be making existing buildings more energy efficient,” she said.

The spending blitz includes $6 billion over four years to build 20,000 new community and public dwellings and $252 million for 802 new defence homes. Plus $28.8 billion investment in schools, housing and roads over four years.

State governments are also earmarked to receive $400 million over two years to upgrade existing public housing.

In a green push, the package also includes $2.7 billion to insulate 2.2-million existing homes, $612 million to double an existing rental property insulation scheme and a $507-million increase to a solar hot water rebate scheme.

The majority of the housing and construction elements to the stimulus package will be completed by the end of next year.

The building and construction industries have welcomed the initiatives, which will provide a “welcome and timely boost”, according to the Master Builders Australia (MBA).

“The $28.8-billion investment in the nation’s infrastructure should bring lasting benefits to the economy and community,” Wilhelm Harisch, MBA’s CEO said.

However, it is important that the plan to build 20,000 social housing dwellings supports, and does not displace, private enterprise, Aaron Gadiel CEO of the Urban Taskforce said.

“A scheme that relies on bureaucrats toplan the development of social housing dwellings could lead to the de-skilling of our property industry,” he said. “The long-term future of housing supply will require a strong private sector capable of being entrepreneurial and innovative.”