Towards a national approach to cities and regions

National Cabinet today agreed to begin work on a more coordinated approach to Australia’s cities and regions. 

The range of reforms agreed today will see governments work together to better plan for housing, services and infrastructure.  

The reforms include:

• A shared vision to ensure growth in cities is sustainable via the National Urban Policy.
• Planning Ministers developing a proposal for National Cabinet outlining reforms to increase housing supply and affordability, working with the Australian Local Government Association.
• States and territories having a greater contribution to Australia’s migration settings so we can plan better to make sure migration meets the needs of local communities.
• An independent review of the Commonwealth’s Infrastructure Investment Program supported by the states and territories.
• A more sustainable infrastructure pipeline at around $120 billion over 10 years that provides certainty to the market and aims to deliver projects of national significance.

The Albanese Government this week released an outline of the Government’s draft Migration Strategy for consultation. The Government will collaborate closely with the states and territories as we work to finalise the Strategy later this year and better plan for the housing, service and infrastructure needs of our population.

The Albanese Government is also taking a number of actions in next month’s Budget which complement the reforms agreed by National Cabinet today by helping to improve the supply of rental housing, including social and affordable rental housing.

These Budget measures, and the reforms agreed by National Cabinet today, will support the Albanese Government’s ambitious housing agenda. They will help ensure more Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home and ensure housing supply is located close to work, schools and transport.