Housing supply must be prioritised

The stalled Housing and Future Fund Bill is a disaster for the many Australians whose lives are in limbo while they desperately search for a roof over their heads.

‘There will no doubt be knock-on effects with these delays. The longer it takes to get this Bill passed, the longer people will be without a satisfactory housing solution,’ National President Mark Gaetani said.

The Society has long supported the development of national rental standards.

‘We were heartened to see all Housing Ministers commit to develop a proposal for National Cabinet to progress national rental standards.

‘This is a step in the right direction and should improve the stability and affordability of renting across Australia,’ said Mr Gaetani.  

The issue with rental caps and freezes is that they require agreement and implementation at the state and territory government levels, and some have already ruled this out.

‘We cannot see the point of holding up the Bill for a policy that does not have the support of the jurisdictions responsible for implementing it.’

‘The focus should be on the common good and that means prioritising what is needed to increase housing supply to ensure the delivery of safe, secure, affordable and energy efficient homes,’ said Mr Gaetani.

The Society commends the announcement of an additional $2 billion of direct spending on social and affordable housing, as well as amendments to the Bill including,

• increased representation on the proposed National Housing Supply and Affordability Council
• a guaranteed annual dispersal of at least $500M per year from 2024-25
• agreement to index annual funding amount inflation from 2029-30, and
• a special legislative instrument to enable the Treasurer and Finance Minister to increase the yearly disbursement, if needed.

‘Australian housing is in dire straits. This is too important an issue to be politicised. We need action now, not political point scoring,’ said Mr Gaetani.

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