The NSW Opposition has welcomed the Minns Labor Government’s planning reform package and says it is ready to work across the aisle to address the state’s housing shortage.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said housing reform had been a personal priority and he hoped the Government’s latest announcement reflected the calls for cooperation that he and his colleagues made last year.
“We will now take the next step, listening to stakeholders, and reviewing the legislation carefully in Shadow Cabinet and our party room, but our commitment is clear—we are pro-housing, pro-reform, and determined to see NSW move forward and we will have more significant housing announcements to come between now and the 2027 election,” Mr Speakman said.
The Opposition has been pressing the Government since December, when Mr Speakman, Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders and Shadow Planning Minister Scott Farlow wrote jointly to the Premier and Planning Minister calling for a bipartisan approach.
Mr Saunders said regional NSW had long felt the pressure of scarce housing and needed reforms that also delivered infrastructure. “We’ve been consistent in calling for the cutting of red tape, for a fix for the planning logjams, and to ensure new homes come with the schools, hospitals and roads they need. The Opposition put this on the table at the end of last year, and we’ll continue to make sure regional voices are at the centre of reform,” he said.
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope added that housing supply was tied to broader economic confidence. “Mark Speakman made sure housing and planning are central to what NSW needs, and the Opposition is proud to have led the way. We will now look at the Bill responsibly, but our direction is certain, and NSW must be a place where people and business can afford to stay, invest and build a future,” he said.
For Mr Farlow, the Government’s announcement was a recognition of that earlier push for joint action. “Today’s announcement reflects that leadership. The detail of the legislation must be worked through, but the principle is clear that we want more homes built faster, and we’re ready to work with anyone to get it done,” he said.
The Opposition has indicated it will put the Bill through its usual party processes but stressed its willingness to engage constructively, leaving the door open for further announcements in the lead-up to the next election.
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