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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationReduce the regulatory burden and improve government service delivery
Reduce the regulatory burden and improve government service delivery
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HIA calls for the next ACT Government to:
- Adopt a 4-year moratorium on new regulation and taxes on home building
- Restore the previous height limit for regulated trees to 12m
- Introduce a more flexible approach to Urban Forest canopy goals
- Improve accountability and performance of government entities
- Complete development approvals within the statutory timeframe
The residential building industry in the ACT is exhausted from the rate of reforms impacting land supply, home designs, business operations and construction. Restrictive regulation has been piled on new homes, and the industry responsible for delivery, with poor consultation and inappropriate transition periods.
An incoming government should commit to stability by adopting a ‘do no harm’ approach to regulations that impact the delivery of new housing. A commitment during the next term of government to not make change would be one of the most practical and simple ways to improve the delivery of new homes and support the home building industry’s ability to comply with the myriad of rules and regulations that already exist.
Protecting the environment and retaining Canberra’s ‘bush capital’ mantle are important goals that are supported by the housing industry and the community. However there needs to be an honest conversation about the impact of some sustainability policies to better balance their cost and their impact on housing delivery. Sustainability should complement, not undermine, affordability and access to housing.
Further changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) in 2025 are currently being considered. The government must provide a minimum transition period of two years once these changes are finalised, to allow education programs to be rolled out, and customers sufficient time to understand the cost implications.
There needs to be greater accountability for housing affordability and supply by those government entities and directorates that make decisions that directly impact efficient and affordable housing delivery across the Territory. In 2023/24 only 65% of development applications were processed within statutory timeframes.
- Adopt a 4-year moratorium on new regulation and taxes on home building and reduce the sustainability burden on new housing and small business. Consider the ‘do no harm’ principle with respect to housing delivery in any proposed regulatory changes.
- Restore the previous height limit for regulated trees to 12m.
- Introduce a more flexible approach to Urban Forest canopy goals, removing the focus from individual blocks and allow targets to be met across developments, including green spaces and verges.
- Improve accountability and performance of government entities, including planning, tree protection and utility agencies.
- Complete development approvals within the statutory timeframe in 90% of applications.