{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA Tradepass Advertise jobs Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Housing statement must offer choice for all Victorians

Media release

Housing statement must offer choice for all Victorians

Media release
The Victorian Government’s housing statement must contain ambitious planning system reform and enable new housing options that meets the needs of all Victorians, Victoria’s peak development, building, housing and construction associations have warned.

With a target to deliver more than 50,000 new dwellings each year in greater Melbourne, the housing statement must outline a clear plan which enables a seismic difference in the number of new homes being built each year.

Property Council Victorian Executive Director Cath Evans said the statement was a once in a generation opportunity to align housing, planning and building policy toward the efficient delivery of new and affordable homes.

“The worst housing crisis in the state’s history requires bold action. State and local planning is too often adding complexity and cost to new housing, and authorities continue to get in the way after permits have been issued,” Ms Evans said.

“The upcoming housing statement is a chance to wipe the slate clean, and to remove the common blockages to homes, both in established and growth areas, being developed and built.”

Urban Development Institute of Australia Victoria CEO Linda Allison said that Victorians need housing choice – both the locations and the type of housing they wish to live in.

“While the Government is focussed on increasing homes in the middle ring of Melbourne, the sheer volume of homes that needs to be delivered means that supply must be prioritised right across Victoria; in established areas, our newer suburbs and in the regions,” Ms Allison said. “We call on the Government to not neglect supply in our newer suburbs.”

HIA Victorian Executive Director Keith Ryan said there has been a significant drop in new home sales (over 37%), loans for new homes (over 29%) and building approvals for homes (over 16%) over the past year.

“HIA is now forecasting a decade low result in new home commencements in 2024. And this is happening while the need for new homes to be built increases,” Mr Ryan said.

“Home builders want to build homes that people want to live in. The Victorian Government needs to make sure that the housing statement allows the home building industry to build the homes that people want, and not the homes that the government believes they should have.”

Master Builders Victoria CEO Michaela Lihou said the housing statement must address evolving supply constraints and workforce restrictions.

“The Victorian building industry is strong and resilient, but it continues to face a number of prevailing factors that are putting pressure on operators, particularly small businesses,” Ms Lihou said.

“Solving the issues requires a policy-driven approach with a strengthened workforce as a key pillar.

“The Victorian Government’s housing policy presents an important opportunity to set the industry on solid ground, ensuring a pipeline of work for builders across the state and a security for consumers.”

On behalf of our thousands of member organisations across development, building and construction that the four industry associations represent, we look forward to the full details of the housing statement, and seek genuine consultation on effective implementation.

For more information please contact:

  • Property Council of Australia: Dominic Raff, Senior Policy and Media Advisor, 0478 819 525
  • UDIA Victoria: Linda Allison, CEO, 0449 800 223
  • Master Builders Victoria: Michaela Lihou, CEO, 0409 985 428

Keith Ryan

Executive Director - Victoria
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
19 Dec
Victorian Government completes Cabinet reshuffle

The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, has completed a Cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of the long serving Treasurer, Tim Pallas.

18 Dec
Funding for crisis housing important to housing mix

“Today’s announcement of a $1 billion investment towards crisis, temporary accommodation and transitional housing forms an important part of the housing mix and recognises the need for targeted measures to support increasing supply of all forms of housing,” stated Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.

18 Dec
North QLD Annual Regional Meeting of Members

Notice of Annual Regional Meeting of Members of North Queensland Region

18 Dec
SafeWork NSW focusing on mental health in construction

Over the coming months, SafeWork NSW inspectors will be speaking with principal contractors, site supervisors and health and safety representative (HSRs) to ensure they have effective systems in place to manage psychosocial hazards and risks.

Supported by