Thursday, 11 September 2025
Questions without notice and ministers statements
Ministers statements: housing
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Ministers statements: housing
Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Attorney-General, Minister for Planning) (14:09): Sometimes the biggest housing opportunity is right behind you in your own backyard. Today I joined the Premier to announce how the Allan Labor government is literally saying –
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Order! I will not tolerate this kind of interjection while the minister is on her feet. We have talked a lot about respect this week. The minister, without assistance.
Sonya KILKENNY: Today I joined the Premier to announce how the Labor government is literally saying ‘Yes in my backyard’. We are making it easier for Victorians to subdivide their block and sell off part of it, build a second home or replace an existing home with two new homes. Under new rules announced today subdivision applications will be fast-tracked through the VicSmart system, with decisions in just 10 days. That is a fraction of the time it currently takes and almost as fast as the Liberals divide after a bad poll. Speeding up subdivisions will help families unlock the value of their land while creating the space we need for more homes – homes that fit the neighbourhood, more townhouses and duplexes, affordable homes for young families and first home buyers.
It builds on yesterday’s announcement. We have opened consultation on the draft maps for 25 of our train and tram zone activity centres, another way we are delivering more homes in the places people want to live, including in Brighton, close to the beach, where you can go for a cruise without going to Queensland. The choice is clear: Labor is unlocking homes for Victorians; the Liberals just lock them up. Victorians deserve better than a divided Liberal Party. They deserve a government that takes bold, practical action to build the homes our state needs, because the status quo just does not cut it, and neither do Brad Battin and the Liberal Party.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition and Premier! Do not reflect on the Chair again, Leader of the Opposition.