{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Solutions for your business Contracts Online Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Industrial relations
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 and 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
26 Jul
A plan for land is a plan for housing

“Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth are seeing residential land values grow at a rapid rate, while Sydney and Melbourne’s values remain relatively stable,” stated HIA Senior Economist Matt King.

26 Jul
New plumbing and drainage inspection procedures in Huntlee and-North Rothbury area

Plumbing and drainage inspections in the Huntlee and North Rothbury areas are moving from Cessnock City Council to Building Commission NSW.

25 Jul
BASIX transition period ending soon

The BASIX Transition period for eligible signed building contracts will end on 30 September 2024. BASIX Certificates must be generated by this date to apply the pre-1 October 2023 BASIX standards.

23 Jul
Lingering worker shortages see trade rates continue to rise

“As the number of new homes under construction continues to decline builders are reporting fewer difficulties scheduling skilled trades workers on their jobs, although availability of skilled workers remains worse than prior to the pandemic,” stated Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director – Future Workforce.

Supported by