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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Important boost to support more social and affordable housing

Media release

Important boost to support more social and affordable housing

Media release
HIA welcomes the opening of applications for funding to support more social and affordable homes being built under the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and National Housing Accord.

“The investment in 40,000 social and affordable homes is recognition that Australia’s shortfall in housing supply is contributing to increased rental costs and reduced options for those most in need within our community,” HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin said today.

“The investment mandate should particularly support more housing in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. 

“For homes to be delivered in regional areas, it is also important to ensure that the system of funding works to enable smaller community providers and the regional construction industry to be eligible to receive it, rather than just larger institutional investors. 

“The provision of social housing is often most needed in areas where the financial returns are not always realistic. The application process needs to ensure that ‘special purpose vehicles’ set up to apply for funding in remote and regional areas are not disadvantaged by bureaucratic processes that increase costs and extend time frames,” said Ms Martin.

“Whilst this investment should see a boost in social and community housing, it is critical to recognise the Australian Government’s target to build 1.2 million homes over five years from 1 July this year will largely be dependent on the delivery of private housing.

“It is the adequate supply of all homes across the housing continuum which will have the biggest impact on the cost of housing and rental availability. Holding all levels of government to account for improving planning regimes, supporting the development of appropriate infrastructure and a skilled construction workforce must be a priority this year.

“In 2024 Australia’s residential construction industry is hoping to be able to operate in an environment with a positive approach to reducing red tape, a willingness to understand the risks and timeframes our builders work with and a recognition of the contribution a vibrant and strong residential construction industry can make towards the much needed supply of new homes,” concluded Ms Martin. 

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
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