Media Release
1 July 2024
Every person and every family deserves a safe place to call home.
Housing unaffordability is a major driver of cost-of-living pressures. Around 40% of low-income renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent, and less than 1% of rental properties are affordable for a single person on JobSeeker. This crisis specifically affects vulnerable groups including people with disabilities, older Australians, Indigenous Australians, new migrants and refugees, those who’ve experienced family and domestic violence (FDV), and those at risk of homelessness.
Access to safe and stable housing is a basic human right that boosts social, economic, and civic participation. Increasing the availability of affordable housing alleviates pressure on public health, mental health, social services, justice, and crisis services, leading to higher employment rates, and reductions in crime and substance abuse.
PowerHousing Australia, representing 37 tier 1 registered and growth-focused Community Housing Providers (CHPs), is making a bold move to tackle Australia’s housing crisis. Our members have applied for funding through the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) to deliver 26,120 desperately needed social and affordable homes across metropolitan, surrounding, and regional areas (approximately 8,000 to address significant need in the regions).
We applaud the Federal Government, Minister Julie Collins, and Housing Australia for their rapid establishment and launch of the HAFF. Their swift action demonstrates a commendable commitment from the Government to solve the housing crisis.
To ensure long-term housing solutions and a secure construction pipeline, PowerHousing Australia advocates for:
1. Expansion of HAFF/NHA Program: Doubling Federal Government investment to maintain a steady housing supply and support employment and skills training programs.
2. Front-loaded Investment: Prioritising high-quality, well-located, and appropriately designed projects to address the critical housing supply shortage. With 82% of our members’ projects (21,418 dwellings) at risk if not funded in the first round of HAFF, we urge the government for swift decision-making to ensure these vital projects proceed.
3. Despite appreciating recent clarifications from the Office of Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) and the Minister’s office around OFSC requirements for the HAFF, PowerHousing encourages further consideration of the potential impact OFSC requirements could have on project delivery, costs and the entirety of a builder’s business.
Beyond expanding the HAFF, we call for:
1. National Planning Reforms: Consistent application of inclusionary zoning across states and territories.
2. Structural Reforms: Changes to the tax system and removal of barriers to institutional investment in housing to address market inequities.
“Our commitment to addressing the housing crisis is unwavering. The HAFF is a critical step forward, but we need accelerated decision-making and broader reforms to truly make a significant impact. We urge the government to support these initiatives to ensure all Australians have access to safe and affordable housing,” said Ms Michelle Gegenhuber, CEO of PowerHousing Australia.
For further detail contact:
Michelle Gegenhuber, Chief Executive Officer, PowerHousing Australia – 0447 069 812