Addressing NSW’s Housing Needs and the latest Planning Reforms
The Sydney Financial Forum was honoured to host the Hon. Paul Scully, Minister for Planning & Public Spaces, for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on Addressing NSW’s Housing Needs and the latest Planning Reforms.
 
The Hon. Paul Scully guest speaker at Sydney Financial Forum
Date: 4 September 2025 

Speakers:
  • The Hon. Paul Scully, Minister for Planning & Public Spaces NSW
  • Naomi Steer AO, Chair, Sydney Financial Forum
  • Peter Achterstraat AM, NSW Productivity and Equality Commissioner 
  • Damian Graham, Chief Investment Officer, Aware Super 
  • Ainslie van Onselen, Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Accountants ANZ
  • Mark Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer, First Sentier Investors
Key Takeaways
In conversation with Peter Achterstraat AM, the Minister outlined the challenges facing New South Wales and the ambitious reforms now underway to deliver more homes, improve affordability, and shape a more productive, liveable future.
1. Tackling Housing Affordability and Supply
Minister Scully highlighted the scale of Sydney’s housing crisis, noting its position as the second least affordable city in the world.

He underscored the urgent need to boost supply through transport-oriented development, mid-rise housing, and a new Housing Delivery Authority, streamlining approvals and driving delivery of up to 280,000 new homes.
The Hon. Paul Scully discussing housing affordability in NSW
2. Innovation in Planning and Construction
The Minister outlined reforms designed to speed up delivery, including an architect-designed 'Pattern Book' with fast-track approvals, incentives for councils to reduce assessment times, and the integration of artificial intelligence to assess state-significant projects by 2025, a first in Australia.

To unlock stalled developments, the government has also introduced a $1 billion pre-sale finance guarantee scheme, helping builders commence projects more quickly.
3. Enabling Economic Growth and Industrial Transformation
Beyond housing, planning reforms are being used to position NSW for the next wave of economic change.

The establishment of the Investment Delivery Authority and an updated Industrial Lands Policy will accelerate major projects, unlock sites such as Port Kembla for new industries, and ensure that planning supports growth in areas from renewable energy to data centres.
Discussion with Peter and Q&A
In conversation with Peter Achterstraat AM, Minister Scully reflected on how community attitudes toward density and transport-linked development have shifted in recent years, and how government, industry, and councils can work together to respond.

A lively Q&A followed, with the Minister addressing important issues raised by the audience, including skills in the construction sector, essential worker housing, and the role of councils in meeting housing targets. While the details of questions remain within the room, the exchange highlighted both the urgency of reform and the commitment of stakeholders to finding solutions.
Closing
The Sydney Financial Forum thanks Minister Paul Scully for his candour and vision, Peter Achterstraat AM, for leading a thoughtful discussion, and our valued sponsors for making this event possible.

Together, these conversations strengthen the bridge between government, industry, and the financial community, ensuring that housing, planning, and investment reform remain at the forefront of building a stronger New South Wales.