{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ 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
Support & guidance
Ask an expert Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
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
For your business
Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan
Apprentices
Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right
Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards 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 Communication for 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
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us
Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates
Our podcasts
Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter
Our initiatives
HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub
Get involved
Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
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 2026 Australian Home of the Year
Industry events
Events in the next month Economic outlook HIA Made 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

Victorian Housing Statement released

Media release

Victorian Housing Statement released

Media release
"Today's release of the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement is a step in the right direction and acknowledges that a series of reforms are needed to meet Victoria’s housing challenge, now and into the future," said Keith Ryan, HIA Executive Director, Victoria.

Several planning reforms are the centrepiece of the Housing Statement, including immediate action to respond to the backlog of planning applications, streamline the planning process for medium to high density residential developments, and changes to minimise the need for planning permits for houses that meet specified standards.

The government has indicated single dwellings on lots bigger than 300 square metres, and not covered by an overlay, will no longer require a planning permit. Single dwellings on lots smaller than 300 square metres, where an overlay doesn’t exist, will be approved within 10 days and there will be more permit exemptions for single dwellings for things like extensions to sheds and carports.

“Taken together, these changes will help some delayed projects proceed, reduce the backlog of existing planning permit applications, and help get more residential building work to market sooner.

“As important as these planning reforms are, they are only a step towards increasing the supply of housing and addressing the housing affordability crisis. Homes need to not only be planned but also need to be built," added Mr Ryan.

While a key focus of the Housing Statement is on increasing opportunities for homes in Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbs, and priority precincts, HIA is pleased the government recognises that greenfield growth areas will continue to be an attractive choice for many households.

“The Housing Statement acknowledges growth areas will remain important and pledges to provide quicker water connections as well as $400 million in infrastructure and service works along growth corridors to ensure communities have the local infrastructure they need.

"During her keynote address during the HIA Construction Outlook breakfast this morning the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Sonya Kilkenny, confirmed that the government understands they need to do more work to improve the regulatory framework for home building. 

“This includes continuing the Building System Review with its emphasis on building quality and also improving consumer protection laws. Many recent difficulties experienced by builders and consumers been caused by inflexible and out-of-date building regulations and home building contract legislation. 

“HIA will continue to be actively engaged with the Victorian government and participate in the Affordability Partnership to inform and shape the work to increase housing supply and improve housing affordability," concluded Mr Ryan.

For more information please contact:

Keith Ryan

Executive Director - Victoria
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
12 Oct
Come walk a day in the shoes of small business

Before introducing another tax, another reporting requirement, another compliance obligation or another cost increase, HIA is calling on government ministers and policymakers to spend a day in the shoes of a small business owner.

12 Oct
Tradies teaching tradies key to growing Australia's construction workforce

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the Australian Government's $5 million pilot investment to support experienced tradespeople to become vocational education and training (VET) teachers, saying it addresses a longstanding challenge facing the construction training system.

12 Oct
Implementing carpentry registration and licensing Consultation Paper

Imposing registration and licensing on trades represents a significant impost, further degrading the capacity to deliver homes and other domestic building work. This submission, therefore, is not limited to responding to the Consultation Paper, rather, it addresses more broadly the significant risks that imposing registration and licensing on trades will have on the sector.

09 Oct
Government delays ATO credit card payment changes

The Federal Government has announced that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will continue to accept credit card payments for tax liabilities until the end of the 2026-27 financial year, delaying changes that were previously due to take effect on 1 December.