Tuesday, 20 June 2023

 Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (14:22): My question is to the Minister for Planning. A huge percentage of our state’s carbon emissions come from electricity and gas usage in our buildings and homes, and given this, all state and territory governments agreed to the new National Construction Code to make sure all new buildings are built to 7 stars starting in October. New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT are still committed to this, but Victoria we understand has decided to delay the new 7-star standard, even though many builders have spent millions preparing. Why penalise them and lock people into new homes that are more expensive to run with their energy bills?

 Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Minister for Planning, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (14:23): I thank the member for her question and for her interest in planning and her interest in building and new homes for Victoria. Can I say from the outset that this government is completely committed to the construction of new homes, affordable homes. We are at a critical stage where we need to increase our supply of homes and housing in this state – in fact across the nation – and I think all members will be pleased to have heard the announcement on the weekend that the federal government is providing $2 billion to support us building new homes for more Victorians.

Sam Hibbins: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, as interesting as the Greens pushing the federal government to actually invest direct money into housing is, the question was specifically about 7-star homes, and I ask you to bring the minister back to answering the question.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! I cannot direct the minister how to answer a question. There is no point of order. I would ask the house to come to order.

Sonya KILKENNY: Thank you, Speaker. This government remains committed to addressing the critical shortage of housing in this state, and that means supporting the industry. That means working with communities, because ultimately we need to ensure we get the best outcomes for communities, which are more housing, more homes, more supply across Melbourne and across Victoria. That is our commitment, that is what we are working towards and that is what we will deliver.

 Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (14:24): It remains to be seen why we are still not agreeing to 7-star homes. On a very related matter, three years ago an alliance of 24 councils across Victoria developed a planning scheme amendment for zero-carbon buildings, a piece of work that meant our state can actually build healthier, more comfortable homes that use much less energy and save people on their bills. The alliance submitted the proposal to the minister on 21 July last year so now, nearly a year later and two planning ministers later, the document still sits on the minister’s desk. Minister, when will you approve it?

 Sonya KILKENNY (Carrum – Minister for Planning, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (14:25): I thank the member for her supplementary question. As I said, this government is absolutely committed to increasing the supply of affordable homes, of more homes – homes that are built to last, homes that are efficient and homes that are going to provide a pipeline of work and construction in the industry. The fact that the Greens –

Gabrielle de Vietri: On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, this was about a planning scheme amendment, not about the construction of new homes. It is about the council for the built sustainable environment.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Eureka! There is no point of order.

Sonya KILKENNY: Thank you. I appreciate the member’s question. I think, with respect, the member needs to understand what the clear focus is and what the imperative is here at the moment, and that is ensuring that we build new homes for Victorians. We need to ensure that homes are affordable. We need to ensure there is a pipeline of work. We need to make sure that the next generation of Victorians are able to have a home in the location that they want. The fact that we have the Greens now acting in this – (Time expired)