The Commonwealth Government is calling for public submissions on ways to boost the supply of affordable rental housing through innovative financing models.
This follows the establishment of a working group tasked with identifying ways to increase affordable housing supply for those on low incomes, and implementing trials of models in cooperation with states and territories.
“One of the keys to increasing the supply and availability of affordable rental housing is attracting investment,” said Mr Porter.
“Improvements in the area of attracting investment to affordable housing supply will require innovative and collaborative approaches across the private and not for profit sectors, and with states and territories.”
Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, Alex Hawke, said the government’s work on affordable housing will boost the momentum of initiatives already underway by states and territories, such as the New South Wales Government’s recently announced Social and Affordable Housing Fund.
“The government is committed to finding innovative solutions to affordable housing issues, and to collaborating with the states to ensure we identify the most viable proposals for future implementation,” said Mr Hawke.
“The commitment of the states towards better outcomes in affordable housing signals we are working towards the same goals. This is a positive step towards ensuring Australia’s future prosperity.”
Public submissions are open until 11 March 2016. A small number of roundtables with industry and academic experts will be held during the submission process.
The working group is expected to provide its final report, including recommendations for possible trials and next steps, to the Heads of Treasuries by 30 June 2016.
The working group’s Terms of Reference and Issues Paper, as well as further information about how to make a submission are available on the Treasury website.