It also calls for broader changes to fast-track all developments
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the ACT government’s decision to restrict third-party appeals against public housing and public health developments, calling it a positive step toward addressing housing delays.
The reform, which aligns with recommendations in the council’s August 2024 Election Platform, aims to reduce obstacles in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) process that have slowed housing projects.
Property Council ACT and capital region executive director Ashlee Berry (pictured above) said that excessive delays caused by ACAT appeals have worsened Canberra’s housing crisis.
“We’ve long advocated for fixing ACAT processes because the current system has allowed frivolous objections to stall housing projects, making Canberra’s housing crisis even worse,” Berry said.
“While the announcement is welcome, it still doesn’t go far enough. To truly unlock housing supply and investment confidence, these reforms should apply to all developments, not just public housing.”
The Property Council’s Election Platform called for clearer and shorter timeframes for appeal decisions, fixed deadlines for hearing outcomes, and restrictions on third-party appeal rights. It also proposed allowing Lease Variation Charge determinations to be handled by an independent body, such as the president of the Australian Property Institute.
Berry warned that excessive appeals, often driven by not-in-my-backyard opposition, continue to obstruct essential housing projects.
“The fact that 75% of public housing appeals were resolved in favour of the original decision shows that the system is still being exploited to delay homes from being built,” she said.
The Property Council vowed to continue pushing for broader ACAT reforms to streamline planning processes and provide greater certainty for investors.
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