ACT LABOR’S NEW HOUSING SUPPLY POLICY IS NOTHING MORE THAN BUDGET BLUSTER

Leanne Castley MLA

Leader of the ACT Liberals

Media Release

23 June 2025

The ACT Labor’s new Budget housing and land supply policy is more Budget bluster with serious doubts remaining over their 2024 election promise to build 30,000 new homes by 2030.

ACT Labor fail to understand the market dynamics of the housing and construction industry, with the ACT having the weakest detached housing and renovations markets in the nation and the second weakest market for multi-dwelling approvals, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

ACT Liberal Leader Leanne Castley MLA said today that while extra land release is welcome, the reality remains that new dwelling are just not being approved and built quick enough.

“This is simply more wrapping paper on their dud policies, with the land being released occurring way too slow to even go close to keeping their election promise,” Ms Castley said.

“Dwelling approvals are still occurring way too slowly as well thanks to ACT Labor’s addiction to extra regulation and extra construction costs. 

“They have also put so many caveats on their promises now that anyone should be suspicious about their intentions to even go close to their promise.”

The ACT Government has said:

Whilst the Government is enabling the supply of 30,000 new homes, the delivery of the new homes is subject to market capacity and industry capability.

“It’s clear from this statement that the ACT Government is now looking to blame the construction industry instead of looking at their own policies that have resulted in this situation,” Ms Castley said.

“After all, what about the Lease Variation Charge, commercial rates, the cost of workers compensation, planning approval times and red tape.

“Finally, ACT Labor needs to come clean about how much of the $145 million is new money or simply funds locked in from last years Budget?  And just how much money is the Commonwealth’s?

“Like all of the Budget announcements so far, this is another one that’s long on spin and short on detail.”