Australia needs a National Housing Strategy that recognises all types of housing as essential infrastructure. Commonwealth-State Housing Agreements have been reduced to housing welfare agreements. A vital shift in thinking is needed to develop a strategy that ensures appropriate adequate housing for the whole of our growing population, including but not limited to housing needs of low income Australians. This strategic plan would include economic opportunities and urban and regional development.
A National Housing Strategy will complement and boost the strategies already developed by the states and territories, such as the Tasmanian Affordable Housing Strategy 2015-25. In Tasmania, Shelter Tas calls for at least 10% of housing to be not-for-profit social housing. A transparent and accountable National Housing Strategy is needed to increase the supply of social housing across Australia. Read more…