Legislative Assembly Inquiry Tackles "Missing Middle" Housing Reforms Today

Stakeholders and Government Convene for Crucial Housing Hearing

The Australian Capital Territory’s Legislative Assembly is hosting a pivotal day of public hearings today, Thursday, 12 February 2026, as the Inquiry into DPA-04: Missing Middle Housing Reforms moves into its final stages of witness testimony. The hearings, held in the Prince Edward Island Room, represent a critical moment for the ACT Government’s 2026 legislative agenda, focusing on the controversial and highly anticipated reforms aimed at increasing urban density in Canberra’s established suburbs.

A Full Slate of Industry and Community Voices

The schedule for today features a broad range of stakeholders who will provide evidence on how the proposed planning changes will impact the city's character and housing affordability. The session commenced early this morning with representatives from the Planning Institute of Australia, followed by the Master Builders Association of the ACT. These industry groups are expected to highlight the technical challenges and economic opportunities presented by the "missing middle" framework, which seeks to encourage the construction of townhouses and dual-occupancy dwellings.

Community concerns are also at the forefront of today’s agenda. The National Trust ACT and the Canberra Planning Action Group are scheduled to testify later this morning, likely raising questions regarding the preservation of Canberra’s green space and heritage values. Following the lunch break, the Belconnen Community Council and the Australian Institute of Architects will provide their perspectives on how the reforms might alter the local landscape.

ACT Government to Defend Policy in Afternoon Session

In what is expected to be the most rigorous segment of the day, representatives from the ACT Government will appear before the committee starting at 3:00 pm. This two-hour session will allow committee members to scrutinize the government’s plans and address the various criticisms raised by community councils and social service providers like ACTCOSS and ACT Shelter, both of whom are also appearing today to discuss the social equity implications of the reforms.

Related Activity in the Capital

While the housing inquiry dominates the political landscape at the Legislative Assembly, other government-adjacent events are taking place across the city. This morning, the Canberra Cyber Hub and the ACT Government-supported Space Program hosted a "Critical Infrastructure & Space" breakfast at the Pavilion on Northbourne, focusing on Australia’s space technology dependencies. Additionally, the Assembly is holding its regular weekly public tour today, alongside a Digital Public Sector Seminar designed for ACT public servants, ensuring a busy day for governance and public engagement in the territory.