In a significant move aimed at reshaping Victoria's housing sector, Premier Daniel Andrews has unveiled a comprehensive housing statement, marking one of the most substantial policy overhauls in decades. The ambitious reform package encompasses a range of initiatives designed to boost housing supply, improve rental conditions, and streamline the planning process. Among the key highlights are the introduction of a statewide short-term accommodation levy, unlocking government land for housing development, and establishing a new agency to handle rental disputes. In this article, we will delve into the details of these reforms and their potential impact on Victoria's housing landscape.

Short-Term Accommodation Levy: One of the standout features of the housing statement is the introduction of a 7.5 percent short-term accommodation levy on platforms like Airbnb and Stayz. This levy will capture a portion of the revenue generated by short-stay accommodations, contributing to the state's coffers while also levelling the playing field for traditional accommodation providers. The funds generated from this levy will be crucial in supporting other housing initiatives outlined in the reform package.

Unlocking Government Land: To address the pressing issue of housing supply, the government plans to rezone surplus government land across 45 sites throughout the state, with the goal of creating at least 9,000 new homes. This initiative is a significant step towards meeting the ever-growing demand for housing, particularly in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Streamlined Planning and Faster Approvals: Streamlining planning processes for major housing developments worth a minimum of $50 million in Melbourne and $15 million in regional Victoria is another cornerstone of the reform package. Projects that commit to providing at least 10 percent affordable housing, including build-to-rent developments, will benefit from expedited approvals. Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny will play a pivotal role in this, with the aim of reducing the approval timeframe from 12 months to just four months. This acceleration is expected to bring 13,200 homes to the market that would have otherwise faced delays.

Building Communities Around Transport Hubs: The reform package also highlights the creation of "priority precincts" focused on building communities around major transport and services hubs. These precincts, including areas like Arden, Docklands, and Footscray, are strategically located to improve accessibility and create vibrant, connected neighbourhoods.

Conversion of Underused Office Buildings: Addressing housing supply challenges, the government plans to collaborate with the Property Council of Australia to convert nearly 80 underused office buildings into residential and mixed-use properties. This initiative could result in up to 12,000 new homes, making efficient use of existing infrastructure and urban spaces.

Tenant Protections: To protect tenants, the reform package includes several important measures. Rent increases between fixed-term leases will be restricted to prevent sudden and steep hikes. Notice periods for eviction will be extended to 90 days, providing tenants with more stability and security in their housing arrangements. Furthermore, the practice of rental bidding will be banned, ensuring that tenants are not subjected to financial stress during the rental application process.

Rental Dispute Resolution Agency: A notable addition to the housing reforms is the establishment of Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria, a new agency dedicated to resolving disputes between landlords, renters, and agents. This agency aims to provide a fair and efficient way to address conflicts, reducing the need for cases to escalate to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Premier Daniel Andrews' housing statement represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to address Victoria's housing challenges. With initiatives spanning from taxation and land development to tenant protections and dispute resolution, the government is taking a multi-pronged approach to create a more equitable, accessible, and efficient housing market. These reforms have the potential to not only boost housing supply but also enhance the quality of life for renters and homeowners alike, making Victoria an even more attractive place to live and invest.

‍