HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin, said the audit provided a constructive roadmap for improving transparency and ensuring the fund remains focused on delivering more homes.

“The ANAO has identified several practical improvements that will strengthen the Housing Australia Future Fund, and we welcome Treasury’s decision to accept all five recommendations,” Ms Martin said.

“The first three recommendations focus on governance, risk management and administrative oversight. Strong governance is important for any major government program and these recommendations will help ensure the fund is managed effectively.

“Of particular importance are the recommendations relating to performance measurement and public reporting.

“Australians deserve to know not only how much funding is being committed, but whether the program is delivering homes efficiently, on time and in the locations where they are most needed.”

The audit found Treasury’s design of the HAFF had been largely effective, but highlighted shortcomings in performance monitoring, public reporting and transparency around delivery outcomes. Ms Martin said stronger reporting would improve accountability and help identify barriers preventing projects from progressing.

“Clear and transparent reporting on dwelling delivery, project timelines and funding outcomes will provide greater confidence that the program is achieving its objectives,” she said.

“It will also help government, industry and community housing providers better understand where improvements are required and what is working well.

“At a time when housing supply remains one of the nation’s biggest challenges, it is essential that public investment programs are focused on outcomes and continuous improvement.

While welcoming the recommendations, Ms Martin said broader concerns raised by industry about the operation of the HAFF should not be overlooked.

“The audit should not mark the end of the conversation about how the HAFF can be improved,” Ms Martin said.

“HIA members continue to report that the program can be difficult to navigate, particularly for smaller builders that want to participate in delivering much-needed social and affordable housing.

“Reducing unnecessary complexity and making participation more accessible will help expand the pool of builders capable of delivering projects under the fund.

Ms Martin also said more attention was needed on ensuring the program delivering a broader mix of housing typologies in in growth and regional areas.

“To maximise housing outcomes across Australia, HIA supports the program delivering a broader mix of housing typologies, including detached homes, townhouses and low-rise developments in growth and regional areas, rather than being predominantly concentrated in higher-density projects within major capital cities. This would better reflect housing demand, expand delivery opportunities, improve affordability outcomes and ensure more communities benefit from the program.

“Regional communities continue to face acute housing shortages, and we need to see stronger progress in delivering projects outside our major metropolitan centres,” she said.

“The ultimate measure of success for the HAFF is not the number of funding announcements made, but the number of homes delivered for Australians in need.

“HIA looks forward to working with Treasury, Housing Australia and governments to ensure the fund continues to evolve and delivers the housing outcomes Australians expect,” Ms Martin concluded.

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