Victoria’s building industry has wasted no time putting new Premier Ben Carroll on notice, urging him to make housing supply a central priority as he settles into the role after replacing Jacinta Allan last week.

Carroll announced a leaner Cabinet on 4 August 2026, cutting the frontbench from 22 to 20 positions. Nick Staikos stays on as Minister for Housing, Building and Precincts, with his portfolio now also covering Homelessness and Seniors. Colin Brooks moves in as Treasurer, picking up Industrial Relations too, while Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams takes on Education, Skills and Training.

The Housing Industry Association didn’t wait long to respond. HIA Victorian Executive Director Keith Ryan said the association is seeking “an early and clear commitment from Premier Carroll that increasing housing supply will remain a central priority of the Victorian Government.” HIA Chief Executive Industry and Policy Simon Croft flagged the regions specifically: “One in four Victorians, or 25 per cent, live in regional communities, yet too often policy and funding decisions fail to reflect that reality.”

The numbers behind that pressure are stark. Victoria recorded a forward work schedule reading of -12.7 in the most recent survey, the only negative result of any Australian state. Melbourne’s rental vacancy rate sat at just 1.3 per cent in Q2 2026, according to Cotality data. Victoria’s population grew 1.7 per cent in the year to 31 December 2025, adding 117,300 people, second fastest in the country. Yet only around 52,800 new homes were approved in the 12 months to January 2026, well short of the pace needed to meet the state’s Housing Statement target of 2.24 million homes by 2051.

Carroll justified the smaller ministry on fiscal grounds. “Every dollar my government spends will be treated with respect and only where it delivers the greatest value for Victorians,” he said. The HIA’s election policy document, titled ‘Builders Want to Build’, calls for lower regulatory burdens, reduced property taxes, faster planning approvals, expanded land supply, and workforce investment.

For the 290,000-plus workers in Victoria’s residential construction sector, continuity in the housing minister role at least offers some stability. But with critical building and contract law reforms still in progress and a November 2026 state election approaching fast, the pipeline will depend heavily on whether Carroll moves quickly to back commitments already in train, or lets momentum stall during the transition.

Frequently asked questions

What is Victoria’s forward work schedule reading and why does it matter?

Victoria recorded a forward work schedule reading of -12.7 in the most recent survey, the only negative result of any Australian state. A negative reading signals that fewer projects are in the pipeline than are needed to sustain current activity levels.

Who is Victoria’s new Minister for Housing?

Nick Staikos remains in the role as Minister for Housing, Building and Precincts. His portfolio now also covers Homelessness and Seniors under Premier Ben Carroll’s new Cabinet.

How many homes does Victoria need to build by 2051?

Victoria’s Housing Statement sets a target of 2.24 million homes by 2051. Around 52,800 new homes were approved in the 12 months to January 2026, well below the pace required to meet that goal.

Sourced from Infrastructure Magazine, Housing Industry Association (HIA), Cotality, Inside State Government. Original article.