On the Advocacy Front

A fortnightly (ish) snapshot of our advocacy work on behalf of Australian planners

Week ending 29 May 2026

Well it's been four weeks since our last advocacy update, and for good reason.

🎂 Celebrating 75 years of PIA

👥 Around 550 planners at National Congress

🏛️ 1 new Productivity Commission Inquiry

📄 6 national advocacy responses

... Advocacy activity across all jurisdictions

Over the past month we've seen a new Productivity Commission inquiry launched into housing supply regulation, the release of the long-awaited State of Australian Cities Report, the Federal Budget be handed down, responding to questions on notice from the Senate Inquiry into Productivity, and continued reform across multiple states and territories.

Here's a summary of the key things happening on the advocacy front, and where PIA has been influencing the debate on behalf of planners and the communities they serve.

National

Productivity Commission launches housing supply regulation inquiry

The biggest planning news this week was the Australian Government's announcement of a new Productivity Commission inquiry into housing supply regulation.

The inquiry will examine state government planning and approval processes, land availability and utilisation, and the infrastructure needed to support new housing.

PIA will be using this inquiry to move the debate beyond simplistic narratives about planning approvals, and focus on the broader system reforms needed to deliver more housing in the right locations, supported by infrastructure, services and community outcomes.

PIA responded immediately to the announcement yesterday.

🔗 Read PIA's response: https://www.planning.org.au/pia/news-resources/articles/latest-updates/NATIONAL/Response_to_productivity_commission_inquiry_May_2026.aspx?name=Response_to_productivity_commission_inquiry_May_2026

State of Australian Cities Report finally released

After years of anticipation, the State of Australian Cities Report 2024 was finally released through Freedom of Information processes.

For planners, the report provides valuable insights into how Australia's cities are performing across productivity, liveability, sustainability and infrastructure measures. Its release also reignites important conversations about how governments monitor urban performance and use evidence to inform city planning.

🔗 Read our summary of the report here: https://www.planning.org.au/pia/news-resources/articles/latest-updates/NATIONAL/SOAC_2024.aspx?name=SOAC_2024

Federal Budget: What's in it for planners?

The Federal Budget was handed down in mid-May and continued the government's focus on housing and productivity.

PIA provided a detailed response for members, highlighting the implications for planning and the profession, while also engaging with media to ensure the planning perspective was represented in public debate.

📄 PIA's media response: https://www.planning.org.au/pia/news-resources/articles/latest-updates/NATIONAL/Medi_release_Federal_Budget.aspx?name=Medi_release_Federal_Budget

📊 What planners need to know: What's in the Federal Budget for planners and planning?

🎙️ PIA's Radio interview: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYRe3wtBdw2/

Taking planning's productivity message to Canberra

PIA also lodged responses to Questions on Notice arising from Senate hearings examining Australia's productivity challenges.

The submission reinforced a key message: improving productivity requires better planning, better coordination of infrastructure and housing, and stronger investment in the planning workforce.

📄 Read the submission: https://www.planning.org.au/resource?resource=754

Parking reform enters the spotlight

The Grattan Institute's latest report on parking, challenges minimum parking requirements and highlights the impact these policies can have on housing affordability and urban outcomes.

PIA contributed to the discussion by highlighting the need for evidence-based approaches that respond to local contexts while supporting broader housing and transport objectives.

🚗 Read PIA's response: https://www.planning.org.au/pia/news-resources/articles/latest-updates/NATIONAL/Response_to_grattan_institute.aspx?name=Response_to_grattan_institute

EPBC reforms move forward

Consultation has opened on the next phase of reforms to Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

These reforms have the potential to significantly influence development assessment processes, environmental approvals and planning systems nationally.

Around the States and Territories

New South Wales

Bays West takes a major step forward

PIA welcomed the establishment of the Bays West Delivery Authority, describing it as an important step toward coordinated, long-term city shaping.

New assessment pathway progressed

PIA also welcomed consultation on the proposed Targeted Assessment Pathway. The initiative responds to ongoing advocacy from PIA on this issue, aiming to streamline low-risk planning assessment processes, where developments achieve strategic planning outcomes.

Australian Capital Territory

Missing Middle reformsapproved

The ACT Government approved reforms aimed at increasing housing diversity through Missing Middle housing.

As housing affordability and supply continue to dominate policy discussions nationally, these reforms provide another example of governments exploring ways to increase housing choice within established urban areas.

🏘️ Read PIA's response: https://www.planning.org.au/pia/news-resources/articles/latest-updates/NATIONAL/ACT_Missing_Middle_Reform_May_2026.aspx?name=ACT_Missing_Middle_Reform_May_2026

🎙️ PIA's media appearance: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYvllTnRqTv/

Queensland

Housing infrastructure announced for priority development areas

PIA welcomed the $2.4 billion housing infrastructure agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments, describing it as important recognition that enabling infrastructure and strategic planning are essential to addressing Queensland’s housing challenges.

Tasmania

Defence investment creates new planning opportunities

PIA welcomed the Australian and Tasmanian Governments’ joint commitment to plan and redevelop the Dowsing Point Defence site, describing it as a strong example of how surplus, well-located government land can be transformed into homes, infrastructure and community outcomes.

PIA hopes the Dowsing Point announcement will be the template for the redevelopment of strategically located surplus Defence land across Australia, to enable more homes and jobs in well-planned communities.

Looking Ahead

If there is one theme emerging across Australia, it is this: planning is increasingly being recognised as a critical part of the solution to some of the nation's biggest challenges.

Housing affordability, productivity, infrastructure delivery, environmental management and economic growth are all connected to planning systems and planning expertise.

PIA will continue advocating for evidence-based reform, stronger planning capability and better policy outcomes for communities across Australia.

We'll be back in a fortnight with another snapshot of what's happening on the advocacy front.

For more information or to get involved in any of these policy and advocacy initiatives, please contact the PIA team via [email protected]