DISALLOWANCE
The Liveable Victoria alliance has helped secure a disallowance motion in the Legislative Council on 3 June 2026 to be moved by the Liberal National opposition. This motion will overturn the Government’s most recent planning scheme changes.
If passed, the motion would invalidate the Mid-Rise Code and the final Thornbury Activity Centre maps — returning the area to the zoning controls that applied before they were introduced.
Now we need your help to get it passed.
More details below.
WHAT IS DISALLOWANCE?
The Minister for Planning can approve changes to a planning scheme. Once a change is published in the Government Gazette, it becomes law.
Usually, major planning changes are publicly exhibited, open for community submissions, and reviewed by independent experts.
But Parliament has the power to overturn a gazetted planning scheme change through a process called disallowance.
Disallowance is a vote in Parliament to revoke a planning scheme change after it has been made. It is an important check on the Minister’s power — particularly where major changes have bypassed proper consultation and independent review.
That is exactly what has happened with both the 25 Train and Tram Activity Centres and the Mid-Rise Code.
On Wednesday 3 June 2026, we expect Victoria’s Upper House — the Legislative Council — to vote on whether to overturn both changes. If we are successful, the Activity Centre Final Plans will be thrown out and we will delay developers taking advantage of the Government's profit first approach.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
The Government does not hold a majority in the Upper House and will require support from at least four crossbench MPs to defeat the disallowance motion. This means the votes of crossbench members — including the four Greens MPs — could be decisive.
If you support disallowance, now is the time to make your voice heard. You can do that in two ways.
1. EMAIL THE CROSSBENCH AND LOCAL MPS
We strongly encourage you to contact crossbench MPs and explain, in your own words, why you support overturning these changes. Politicians consistently tell us that personalised messages carry more weight than pro-forma emails.
Importantly, you should state your opposition to both planning scheme amendments (GC270 and VC300) and urge the members to support the Disallowance Motionon 3 June.
You may wish to raise some of the following points in your own words:
• These planning changes are too significant to implement so close to a State election, particularly where alternative policy approaches are being actively debated by the Victorian community.
• Disallowance would create space for proper public debate and help deliver a more durable and broadly supported planning framework.
• The Government has not adequately responded to concerns raised through the Parliamentary Inquiry regarding consultation, transparency and independent review.
• Major planning reforms should not bypass meaningful community engagement and independent scrutiny.
• The Mid-Rise Code reduces existing liveability standards that future generations will inherit.
• The changes weaken protections relating to privacy, overlooking, overshadowing and neighbourhood amenity for both existing and future residents.
• Reduced solar access protections risk discouraging rooftop solar investment and undermining climate objectives.
• More housing supply is important — but supply alone is not enough if the homes delivered are not affordable, suitable for families, or supported by services.
• The final Thornbury Activity Centre plans remain significantly out of step with community expectations and local feedback.
• Population growth must be matched with investment in schools, parks, childcare, transport, healthcare and public infrastructure.
• Oppose the Government’s approach because it prioritises rapid upzoning and announcements over the harder work of delivering affordable housing, infrastructure and genuinely liveable communities.
• Housing policy should prioritise outcomes for residents and future generations — not simply maximise development yield or increase housing targets on paper.
• Supporting disallowance would send a message that Victorians expect planning reform to be evidence-based, balanced and accountable.
Who do I email?
The Crossbench:
Sarah Mansfield (Greens) - sarah.mansfield@parliament.vic.gov.au
Anasina Gray-Barberio (Greens & Local Member for Northern Metro) - anasina.gray-barberio@parliament.vic.gov.au
Aiv Puglielli (Greens) - aiv.puglielli@parliament.vic.gov.au
Katherine Copsey (Greens) - katherine.copsey@parliament.vic.gov.au
David Ettershank (Legalise Cannabis) -david.ettershank@parliament.vic.gov.au
Rachel Payne (Legalise Cannabis) -rachel.payne.mp@parliament.vic.gov.au
David Limbrick (Libertarians) - david.limbrick@parliament.vic.gov.au
Rikkie-Lee Tyrell (One Nation) - rikkie-lee.tyrrell@parliament.vic.gov.au
Georgie Purcell (Animal Justice) - georgie.purcell@parliament.vic.gov.au
Jeff Bourman (Shooters, Fishers & Farmers) - jeff.bourman@parliament.vic.gov.au
Adem Somyurek (Independent & Local Member for Northern Metro) - adem.somyurek@parliament.vic.gov.au
Other Northern Metropolitan MPs:
Sheena Watt (Labor) - sheena.watt@parliament.vic.gov.au
Enver Erdogan (Labor) - enver.erdogan@parliament.vic.gov.au
Evan Mulholland (Liberal) - evan.mulholland@parliament.vic.gov.au
2. SIGN THE LIVEABLE VICTORIA PETITION
There are a number of Change.org and Parliamentary petitions opposing Victoria’s undemocratic planning changes.
Liveable Victoria Alliance has created this petition to help bring those voices together into one clear message to Victorian politicians and election candidates.
Please sign it, share it, and encourage others to do the same. Link found on homepage
