“Reforming housing approvals and the establishment of a specialist ‘strike team’ to fast-track the assessment of more than 26,000 homes currently awaiting approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act was one of the key outcomes from the recent Treasurer’s Economic Reform Roundtable.

“It is particularly pleasing to see clearing of some projects, which have been stuck in the system waiting for approval since 2018.

“While the announcement demonstrates the intent to fast track approvals to get more homes delivered quicker, the scale of the backlog highlights how much work is still needed,” said Mr Croft.

“The progress the government is making on reforming the long overdue EPBC reforms is positive, but we’re still a long way from where we need to be. 

“To deliver 1.2 million new homes by 2029, Australia needs faster, simpler and more consistent approval systems across every level of government.

“HIA supports strong environmental protections, but the system has to be practical. Clear rules, consistent decision making and a genuine focus on reducing duplication will give industry the certainty it needs to invest and build.

“If this many homes can progress through the bottleneck in a short period of time, then the expectation is that we will see this progress continue through the specialist housing strike team.

“HIA is encouraging the government to continue consulting closely with the housing industry as environmental reforms are finalised.

“Also, clear transition arrangements for projects already in the pipeline need to be introduced and pilot new fast-track approval precincts where environmental, planning and infrastructure issues are already well understood.

“It’s good to see some green shoots appear in the challenge of addressing the nation’s housing supply crisis, but the momentum must continue until approvals flow freely and consistently, and the long slated reforms to the EPBC Act are implemented,” concluded Mr Croft.

For more information please contact: