The Albanese Labor Government has announced the construction of more than 13,700 new social and affordable homes across Australia, marking the largest investment in housing in over a decade.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement, “I grew up in social housing – I know how important a roof over your head is and the opportunities it creates.”
“The first round of funding under our Housing Australia Future Fund will deliver thousands of social and affordable homes across Australia for those that need it most,” he added.
Through the first round of the Housing Australia Future Fund and National Housing Accord programs, 4,220 social homes and 9,522 affordable homes will be built, including 1,267 homes specifically for women and children escaping domestic violence, as well as older women at risk of homelessness.
This first round of funding surpasses the combined efforts of the Liberal and National parties over their nine years in office, with the Albanese Government now leading in social and affordable housing development.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Clare O’Neil, said “The Commonwealth Government is back in the game of delivering social and affordable houses at scale, working with all levels of government and the community housing sector to deliver the biggest investment in social housing in over a decade.”
“We want to reduce the stress of housing for Australians – the long waits on housing lists, the long queues for rentals, the out-of-reach deposits for first-home buyers. We’re building homes for renters, first-home buyers, and women and children at risk of homelessness, because more homes mean more affordable housing for everyone,” she further observed.
Housing Australia has recommended contract negotiations for 185 projects, with nearly 40% of the 13,742 new dwellings expected to break ground this financial year.
The first-round funding will also mobilise a $9.2 billion investment from Commonwealth, State, and Territory governments, as well as private and community housing sectors.
With a long-term goal to construct 40,000 social and affordable homes, the programs are set to provide a continuous funding stream, with applications for round two set to open in the next six months.
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