Australia’s housing construction pipeline strengthened significantly with new ABS data showing building approvals jumped 12 per cent in September and are 15.3 per cent higher than a year ago.
Medium‑ and high‑density housing approvals are leading the way, with townhouses and apartments up 55.2 per cent year‑on‑year — an encouraging sign that planning reforms launched at National Cabinet in 2023 and spearheaded by bold state and territory governments, are starting to bear fruit.
The figures show the Albanese Government’s focus on boosting housing supply is starting to deliver results.
The Government is working closely with states and territories on the most ambitious housing plan since the post‑War period, including:
- A joint target to build 1.2 million new homes over five years — the most homes ever built in any 5 year period (opposed by the Coalition)
- Direct Commonwealth investment through the Housing Australia Future Fund, delivering tens of thousands of social and affordable homes (opposed by the Coalition)
- Planning reforms to speed up approvals and cut red tape (opposed by Coalition councils and state oppositions such as in Victoria)
- Measures to increase the supply of Build‑to‑Rent homes, expanding long‑term, high‑quality rental options (opposed by the Coalition)
- Working with states and territories to unlock 100,000 homes for first‑home buyers (opposed by the Coalition)
- Pausing and streamlining the National Construction Code so builders are out on site and not in the backroom filling out forms
- Fast‑tracking environmental approval decisions through the Department of Environment to unlock more housing, more quickly.
There’s still a lot to do, but Labor’s housing agenda is having a positive impact on improving Australia’s housing supply, and more homes means more affordable housing – for everyone.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Housing, Homelessness & Cities Clare O’Neil MP
“These figures show that Labor’s focus on building more homes is bearing fruit, with a 55 per cent increase in apartments and townhouse approvals compared to this time last year.
“Our plan is about building more homes, faster — from new apartments and townhouses to social housing. Every extra approval is another step toward easing the pressure Australians are feeling in the housing market.
“We’ve got the most ambitious housing plan in generations and despite 3 years of blocking from the Coalition and the Greens, we’re getting on with the job of building, because the more we build, the more affordable housing becomes everyone.”