The scorecard assesses all Australian planning systems and highlights the scale and pace of planning reform occurring around the country. The scorecard benchmarks each state and territory according to four key themes based on the objectives of the National planning reform blueprint including: 

• bringing more shovel ready land to market
• higher density housing
• cut red tape
• faster decisions.

Each state and territory is assessed on a score out of five based on their planning strategies and other initiatives to achieve the new housing targets.

Key findings

• No jurisdiction has scored greater than 3 out of 5 on their planning reforms.
• Top performers: Western Australia and South Australia continue to hold the highest scores.
• The standout reformer: New South Wales has emerged as a major improver. 
• Gaining momentum: Victoria is seeing improvements in townhouse and small subdivision approvals. The ACT is seeing some positive reforms with proposals to increase ‘missing middle’ housing and rezonings.
• Significant concerns: Queensland remains at the bottom of the rankings. Tasmania and the Northern Territory also require urgent action to resolve infrastructure funding and land-use strategy delays.