Housing approval reforms passed through parliament today in an overwhelming majority. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers
The Minns Government has passed its latest housing move – the Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 – through parliament today, in an overhaul of the state’s planning framework.
It is a move experts have revealed may help the state build homes faster.
Passing through with overwhelming support, the bill aims to cut red tape by streamlining the housing approvals process.
NSW premier Chris Minns called the bill “a major step forward for NSW housing and planning reform”.
Premier Chris Minns said the Bill would bring about “more homes faster”. Photo: NewsWire/Gaye Gerard.
“For too long, NSW has been held back by a system that was slow, complex and out of step with the necessity to deliver more homes for those who need them,” Mr Minns added.
“These reforms will help us build more homes faster, in the right places, giving young people and families the chance to access a home.”
The passage of the bill marked the most significant overhaul of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in decades.
Among the key reforms within the Bill is the establishment of a central Development Coordination Authority, a central body for advice on major projects across NSW’s government agencies.
The Bill will also introduce the Housing Delivery Authority into law, aiming to ensure that there is a consistent focus on housing delivery.
New reforms will also allow for faster approvals for ‘low-impact developments’ like building a deck, a garden shed, or a carport.
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Planning approvals will be streamlined, particularly for low-impact developments. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg via Getty Images.
Minister for Planning and Public spaces Paul Scully said there was overwhelming support for the bill.
“This does not mean that we will take our foot off the pedal,” he said.
“If anything, the real work starts now, and we will be working hard to see these reforms implemented.
Mr Scully said the bill instituted a planning system “fit for the 21st century”.
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Minister for planning Paul Scully at NSW state parliament on Tuesday. Picture: NewsWire/Nikki Short.
Housing industry groups had been lobbying government for the bill to be passed, as NSW falls short of its annual housing approval goals.
Housing Industry Association NSW executive director Brad Armitage said the bill delivered a “proportionate, risk-based approach” to development assessment.
“Why is it that a deck in a backyard is subject to mostly the same planning approval processes as a football stadium?” he said.
“This new bill will make the process of getting an approval easier, allowing more shovels in the ground faster and ultimately more keys in doors.”
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Housing Industry Association (HIA) executive director NSW Brad Armitage.
Property Council NSW executive director Anita Hugo said the bill’s passage was a “big step forward for NSW”.
“The Bill clears away longstanding inefficiencies and provides the tools needed to deliver more homes, jobs, and investment,” she said.
“It’s the culmination of months of constructive work by Government, Opposition and Crossbench members, together with industry and the community, and it shows what can be achieved when parliament focuses on working together to deliver solutions.”
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