Action needed on housing now and for the long-term

A large-scale, long-term investment in social housing, along with relief for renters must be critical actions taken by the next Federal Government. 

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s call for housing security across the country is one of the priority areas featured as part of its 2025 election statement – Justice & Compassion. 

Figures released by the NSW Government’s Department of Communities and Justice reveal a 16% increase in the number of applicants on the state’s social housing register since June 2023; the number of applicants approved for priority housing has grown by 45% to nearly 11,000 during the same period. 

With 65,000 people currently on the waitlist for social housing in NSW at present, the Society is calling for a doubling in funding for the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) to address the shortage of social and affordable housing throughout the state. 

“There is urgent need for action on housing to ensure that everyone has access to a safe, secure and stable place to call home,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO. 

“We have seen the NSW Government make a significant investment towards social housing in recent times, so we would like to see similar bold action from the next Federal Government to meet the demand that exists. 

“Social housing accounts for just 3.8% of housing nationally, and 4.5% of housing in NSW, which is lagging behind the OECD standard of 7%. If we are to raise the amount of social housing, we will need the Federal Government to take ambitious action and investment.” 

The Society is also advocating in support of a national approach towards minimum standards for renters, including basic energy efficiency standards for rental properties and fair limits on rent increases. 

Housing pressures were among the leading reasons for people seeking support from the Society’s specialist services in the last year, including evictions (16%) and housing stress (10%). Similarly, 44% of people supported by the Society’s members cited housing stress as a reason for seeking assistance. 

“Having a national approach to support renters is an important step to ensure a fairer housing system,” said Peter Houweling, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President. 

“We are seeing more people renting for longer periods of time and in greater numbers, so it is important that procedures are in place to guarantee safe living standards and security. Ensuring people have certainty in where they live is necessary not only for individuals but for the betterment of society.” 

Learn more about the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s priorities for housing security across the country in the Justice & Compassion election statement at www.vinnies.org.au/Election2025.