The federal government has announced the establishment of a new “strike team” aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis by accelerating the approval process for over 26,000 homes currently delayed due to environmental checks. This initiative will also include a temporary pause on amendments to the National Construction Code, while deploying artificial intelligence to streamline assessments. The government is striving to meet its ambitious target of building 1.2 million new homes by the year 2029.
This decision follows urgent calls from attendees at this week’s economic reform roundtable, who emphasized the need to reduce bureaucratic hurdles hindering housing approvals. The roundtable highlighted that swift changes to the housing approval process are essential to meet the nation’s growing housing demands.
Addressing Shortfalls in Housing Supply
In the wake of the 2022 federal election, the government introduced the National Housing Accord to tackle housing shortages. Despite this initiative, the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council reported in May that the government is projected to fall short by 262,000 dwellings. To address this gap, a four-year freeze on amendments to the comprehensive and often complex National Construction Code will be implemented. This rule book governs various construction standards, from balcony railing heights to the required amount of natural light in living spaces.
Participants in last week’s roundtable acknowledged the necessity of this pause, a sentiment echoed by Housing Minister Clare O’Neil. O’Neil has consistently advocated for easing regulations to facilitate home building, emphasizing the need for builders to focus on construction rather than navigating complicated forms. She stated, “We want builders on site, not filling in forms to get their approval.”
Utilizing Technology for Faster Approvals
The newly established strike team will operate within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and is tasked with expediting the approval of homes awaiting environmental assessments. While environmental protection regulations remain in place, the team aims to prioritize developments that present robust applications for rapid assessment.
In addition to enhancing the approval process, the government plans to explore how artificial intelligence can further streamline both housing and environmental assessments. Although details regarding the implementation of AI tools have not yet been disclosed, O’Neil highlighted the initiative’s potential to facilitate timely approvals without compromising regulatory standards.
The Property Council of Australia has expressed support for these changes, recognizing the urgency of addressing the housing shortfall. O’Neil reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining high-quality construction standards while expediting processes, stating, “In the middle of a housing crisis a generation in the making, we want builders building good quality homes of the future.”
As these measures take effect, the government aims to transform the current landscape of housing approvals, enabling faster and more efficient construction to meet the pressing needs of the population.
