Someone must be appointed to boost housing in Victoria

A housing commissioner with the authority to accelerate housing delivery is urgently needed in Victoria to help boost investor confidence.

This is the view of the Property Council of Victoria as part of its 2026 Victorian election policy platform.

The proposal, Best to Invest: the reform agenda Victoria needs now, outlines a roadmap to boost housing supply, improve planning productivity and ensure Victoria remains competitive in attracting global investment.

The Commissioner would deliver an independent annual Housing Supply Scorecard, reporting on housing delivery and future supply forecasts – including land availability, infrastructure servicing, project feasibility and barriers slowing new development.

The role would work closely with Treasury and key government agencies to ensure tax, planning and infrastructure policies are aligned to support housing delivery.

Property Council Victoria executive director Cath Evans said greater transparency and accountability across the housing system would help government identify bottlenecks earlier and ensure policy settings support the homes Victorians urgently need.

“Victoria should be Best to Invest; it has the foundations for long-term prosperity – strong population growth, world-class education and health institutions and is one of the most liveable cities in the world,” Evans said.

“But rising state debt, infrastructure pressures and increasing tax and regulatory burdens risk undermining investment, housing delivery and, ultimately, Victorians’ quality of life.”

Evans said a dedicated Housing Commissioner would provide government with a clear line of sight into the real-world challenges facing the property sector, helping ensure policy decisions support feasibility and investment.

“Property is one of Victoria’s largest industries, employing hundreds of thousands of people and delivering the homes, workplaces and communities our growing population relies on,” she said.

“A Housing Commissioner would act as a bridge between industry and government, providing independent advice on feasibility, investment conditions and the barriers slowing down housing delivery.

“If we want more homes built, more infrastructure delivered and more jobs created, government must have a clear understanding of the economic realities facing the sector.”

The Property Council’s election platform outlines a series of reforms designed to unlock private investment and support Victoria’s long-term economic growth.

Built around three key pillars, the platform calls for:

• Restoring Victoria’s competitive advantage to attract private investment;
• Making strategic investments in infrastructure and land to support population growth; and
• Implementing a state productivity agenda, including faster and more efficient planning and approvals.

Evans said the property industry stood ready to partner with government to deliver the homes, workplaces and vibrant communities Victorians need.

“Our platform is optimistic and forward-looking,” she said.

“With the right policy settings, Victoria can unlock billions of dollars in private investment, accelerate housing supply and strengthen its reputation as not just a great place to live, but the best place to invest, work and do business.

“But achieving that requires a stable, competitive policy environment that supports confidence and certainty.”