Australia is facing a housing shortage of national proportions, but the bigger issue may be who’s in charge of solving it.
For years, housing and urban planning decisions have largely been directed by a narrow group of professionals: planning consultants, bureaucrats, and policy advisors. While technically qualified, these advisors often work within insulated systems that don’t reflect the needs or experiences of the broader population, particularly renters, first-home buyers, small developers, and communities affected by rising prices.
One of the biggest consequences of this disconnect is the slow and fragmented response to increasing demand. Outdated zoning restrictions, burdensome approval processes, and a lack of accountability have combined to suppress housing supply in areas where it’s needed most. Many planning systems across the country still operate under assumptions and frameworks designed decades ago, despite changing demographics, technology, and market conditions.
Meanwhile, public engagement remains limited. Local residents often find themselves with little input into how their communities grow. Smaller builders and housing providers are rarely at the table when key decisions are made. Instead, planning outcomes tend to reflect the priorities of larger players and those with resources to navigate complex regulatory environments or influence long-term policy directions.
This narrow governance model is contributing to a supply gap that pushes up prices and restricts choice. It also means that creative or community-led solutions often fail to get traction. A more inclusive and responsive planning approach would better reflect the diversity of needs across the housing market, from young families looking for affordable homes to older Australians downsizing within their local areas.
Reforming the way we manage housing policy isn’t just about red tape; it’s about representation. Ensuring that a wider cross-section of the community can help shape planning decisions is a necessary step toward building more homes, and more trust, in a system that currently feels out of reach for many.
Source: Australian Financial Review
