Today the interim National Housing Supply and Affordability Council met for the first time, marking a new era for housing policy reform in Australia.
The Council’s expertise and independent, evidence‑based recommendations will help to inform all governments on how to improve housing supply and affordability.
The Minister for Housing Julie Collins said that this independent and expert advice will play an important role in the Albanese government’s housing reform agenda.
“It is critical that housing policy is informed by the very best advice, so today’s meeting is a big step forward,” Minister Collins said.
“The Albanese government will continue to listen to experts to ensure we are addressing Australia’s significant housing challenges with the very best policy advice.
“I look forward to the ongoing role the Council will play in the Albanese government’s ambitious housing agenda.”
The interim Council is led by Susan Lloyd‑Hurwitz, one of the most accomplished leaders in Australia’s property sector.
Ms Lloyd‑Hurwitz said housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing communities across the country.
“Today’s Council meeting was an important step in advancing a clear and realistic plan to help improve access to housing and understanding how to efficiently unlock new housing supply where it is most needed,” Ms Lloyd‑Hurtwitz said.
“This requires close collaboration with all levels of government, and we look forward to working together to drive this forward.”
The Council will also provide advice on the development of the National Housing and Homelessness Plan, which will set out key short, medium and longer term reforms needed to improve outcomes and help more Australians access safe and affordable housing.
The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council Bill 2023 has passed the House of Representatives and will establish a permanent, statutory Council later this year once passed by the Parliament.
The Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023 also passed the lower house, the first step in creating a $10 billion fund which will support 30,000 new social and affordable housing properties in its first five years.
Minister Collins said the fund would be a significant investment in the future of housing in our country.
“The Housing Australia Future Fund will play a key part in helping address the housing issues we’re seeing right around Australia,” Minister Collins said.
“It will be the single biggest investment by a federal government in social and affordable housing in more than a decade, and will provide a secure pipeline of funding for social and affordable housing.”