The Australian Institute of Architects’ Victorian Chapter has today launched its 2026 election platform, Building a Better Victoria.
The platform calls on all political parties and candidates to put good design, sustainable growth and long-term planning at the heart of Victoria’s future, outlining a set of practical, tangible policy asks for the next Victorian government.
In the platform released today, the Institute is calling for the next Victorian government to commit to eight key areas:
Sustaining and strengthening the Office of the Victorian Government Architect
Securing ongoing funding for Open House Melbourne
Protecting the integrity and independence of the Architects Registration Board of Victoria
Reforming Victoria’s public procurement system to prioritise quality, long-term value and local capability
Building on the Institute’s Density Done Well program – which highlights examples of well-designed medium- and higher-density housing – to support a better quality built environment in established areas
Modernising heritage policy for adaptive reuse
Adopting a Reuse First strategy for the built environment
Mandating energy adaptation of public infrastructure across sectors.
The full document can be found here.
Quotes attributable to Stephanie Bullock, Victorian Chapter President, Australian Institute of Architects:
“Housing supply, climate adaptation, the cost of living and the condition of our public infrastructure raise critical questions about what gets built, how well, and for whom.
“The decisions made in the next term of government will have consequences for Victorians for decades to come.
“As our population grows, our cities and regions evolve, and our climate changes, we need a renewed focus on quality, sustainability and long-term value in the built environment.
“Building a Better Victoria calls for action across three priority areas – helping ensure a strong architectural profession, legislating the value of good design, and embedding sustainability and climate resilience in policy.
“We call on all political parties and candidates to commit to these practical policy asks, and the Institute, on behalf of our members, stand ready to work with the next government to help make them a reality.”
