“Since our inaugural scorecard in 2024, some states are gaining momentum on overhauling their outdated planning systems. However, the delays from announcements to implementation means that for many builders, very little has changed. 

“In most of parts of the country, we are still seeing a critical disconnect between the housing supply goals of the National Cabinet and the ground level reality of local government delays and restrictive zoning,” said HIA Executive Director Planning & Development, Sam Heckel. 

The 2026 Scorecard provides a comprehensive audit of Australia's fragmented planning systems. Key findings include:

• Top Performers: Western Australia (WA) and South Australia (SA) continue to hold the highest scores. Both states are successfully driving housing supply through large-scale rezoning and land release programs. WA has streamlined approvals through expanding Development Assessment Panels and exemptions for single houses. In SA, the digital innovations for a single planning scheme and a land supply dashboard are nation leading.  
• The Standout Reformer: New South Wales (NSW) has emerged as a major improver. Through state-led rezonings, pre-endorsed design ‘pattern books,’ and a new development coordination authority, NSW is undertaking its most substantial planning overhaul in decades.
• Gaining Momentum: Victoria is seeing improvements in townhouse and small subdivision approvals. However, HIA warns that the commercial viability of these projects remains under pressure from new taxes linked to affordable housing and the Suburban Rail Loop. The ACT is seeing some positive reforms with proposals to increase ‘missing middle’ housing and rezonings, there are persistent barriers in environmental laws and excessive costs through lease variation charges.  
• Significant Concerns: Queensland remains at the bottom of the rankings. Despite clear advice from the Queensland Productivity Commission, the state has rejected key planning reforms due to potential local government opposition. Tasmania and the Northern Territory also require urgent action to resolve infrastructure funding and land-use strategy delays.

“As a consequence of previous shortfalls, achieving the Housing Accord target now requires building 260,000 new homes each year. Reforming outdating planning systems is the first step in empowering the building industry to increase their output,” said Mr Heckel. 

“From granny flats to high-rises and everything in between, Australia needs a diverse mix of homes and a constant supply of ‘shovel ready’ land which our planning systems have clearly failed to deliver. 

“Disappointingly no jurisdiction has scored greater than 3 out of 5 on their planning reforms. HIA is calling for Commonwealth leadership to provide the 'best practice' toolkit— including AI-driven assessment software and design pattern books.

These initiatives should be supported by planning exemptions and digital portals for lodgements and land supply monitoring, that states and territories can adopt to get homes off the page and onto the ground,” concluded Mr Heckel. 

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