Planning Provisions.
As someone who has consistently voiced concerns about the State's current housing policies, I want to clarify to David Davis and the Liberal Party of Australia (Victorian Division) that there is no "cosy" industry relationship with the current State Government.
While I believe the Victorian Government's general policy direction needs significant improvement, and the economic and tax situation is fraught, it's important to recognise that industry bodies like the UDIA Victoria, Property Council of Australia, and Housing Industry Association (HIA) are dedicated to advocating for better outcomes on behalf of their members, regardless of who is in power.
Regular contact with Government, the Ministry, and Departments such as the Department of Transport and Planning is essential for finding ways to reform the Victorian Planning system. This is a crucial step towards improving housing supply.
Casting aspersions about relationships with industry to score political points is counterproductive. It perpetuates the same anti-developer rhetoric that current and former Minsters have previously used to undermine confidence and contributed to the State's precarious housing position.
Industry support for positive initiatives (even a broken clock…) does not equate to complacency on other critical issues like costs, regulation, and taxation, which continue to hinder new #housingsupply.
While I would grant that some decision-making processes, especially around the activity centre program, deserve scrutiny, I'm more interested in seeing the State Opposition propose alternative policies that will lead to more feasible and attainable housing supply for Victorians, should they win government in November 2026.
Here are some ideas to consider:
✅Streamline approval processes and hold decisionmakers accountable ✅Reduce taxes and charges ✅Increase developable land supply ✅Fund enabling infrastructure ✅Stop the overspending on mega projects ✅Freeze/roll back regulatory changes
Addressing these issues would present an effective and clear distinction from the current situation.
🏘️No one is served by ignoring the major housing, economic and productivity challenges we face. But more homes won't be built without industry experience being central to sensible decision-making and policy outcomes.