Thursday, 20 November 2025

 Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Minister for Finance) (14:16): I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s plan to grow the economy and build Victoria for the future. Our population continues to grow, a key element underpinning our economic success. It makes no sense to argue against growth, block planning reforms and march against housing, because as our state continues to grow we see more jobs, higher wages and more opportunities for Victorians. Victoria is forecast to reach 98 per cent of its share of the housing core target of 1.2 million homes built. We are leading the nation. On top of this, Victoria continues to build more homes year on year than the other east coast states. The Grattan Institute said just last month that Melbourne has ‘some of the most affordable housing in the country now’ and ‘that is in large part a success of building more homes’. Shock, horror, who would have thought?

Of course the Allan Labor government is moving forward with Australia’s largest housing project, the Suburban Rail Loop, which will see more homes built in the places people want to live, transforming our state and the economy. The Allan Labor government is also transforming surplus government land into new residential communities, and we are doing that in the Leader of the Opposition’s electorate of Kew, delivering around 500 homes, including at least 10 per cent affordable, close to jobs, transport, schools and green spaces. The level of dwelling investment activity has improved significantly in 2024–25, increasing by 4.5 per cent to reach its highest level in six years, and it is forecast to add to economic growth in 2025–26 with a large pipeline of residential work to be done. Building more homes means more jobs, more opportunities and stronger communities. The Leader of the Opposition says housing affordability is a key priority. Well, she should back our plans and denounce the recalcitrance of the member for Brighton. When the opposition undermines housing through nimbyism, they undermine our economy.