The government is seeking input through a six-week consultation on an issues paper to shape the 10-year National Housing and Homelessness Plan aimed at addressing housing challenges and providing safer, more affordable housing options for Australians.
Minister for Housing Julie Collins officially launched the Plan’s Issues Paper at the start of Homelessness Week, stating that the Plan was a crucial part of the Government’s broader housing reforms.
“Too many people are struggling to find a safe and affordable place to buy, to rent or to spend the night,” Minister Collins said. “Through the National Housing and Homelessness Plan, we will set out how these issues can be tackled head on by governments across the country with short, medium and long term reforms.”
Minister Collins said meaningful consultation with the Australian community and housing sector is key to ensuring this new Plan achieves real change in improving supply of housing, including social and affordable housing, and improves housing outcomes for Australians. “
Australia is facing significant housing challenges, and the Albanese Labor Government is committed to taking action,” she said.
“We want to deliver lasting change with states and territories, and ensure more Australians have a safe place to call home.”
A public submission process, which will run for six weeks, as well as nationwide consultations will help determine the priorities in the Plan. In its 2022 review of the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement (NHHA), the Productivity Commission highlighted the necessity of enhancing housing supply. This included housing targets and planning reforms to encourage increased density and a broader range of housing options.
“The federal government are leaning into the challenge. They understand that Australia’s housing future must be defined by a targeted boost in the supply of new homes and better planning systems for our cities,” Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said.
“We welcome Housing Minister Julie Collins’ recognition that NHHA goals require government and stakeholder collaboration given the property industry’s leadership role in creating our cities.
“The stark reality is that Australia, our land rich and wealthy country, has underinvested in social and affordable housing for decades.
“We have failed to plan for clever, transport-oriented density across our cities and, given our twentieth century national tax system, have put far too many new taxes directly on investment in and delivery of new homes at the state and local level.
“We also need more encouragement of clever communities that bring together private and government services near public transport, such as retirement living, purpose-built student accommodation and build-to-rent housing.
“The first step on this long journey remains the long overdue passage of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) through the Senate. The HAFF is the launching pad Australia needs to start closing our national housing deficit,” he said.