Inquiry into housing affordability and supply
The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia’s submission emphasises the need for a national response to Australia's housing crisis.
Advocating for a 'housing-first' but not a ‘housing-only’ approach, the Society calls for increased funding for housing and community support services.
The submission cites research findings and its recent experiences and recommends the development of a National Housing Strategy in consultation with government and key stakeholders, a review of the Commonwealth Rent Assistance program, alternatives to the National Rental Affordability Scheme (ending in 2026), matched Commonwealth and state/ territory government funding to increase social housing, and commitment to Australia’s Infrastructure Plan 2021.
The Society also called for greater incentives to invest in affordable housing, National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation’s loan terms extended to 25 years, a reduction in red tape including fees and charges, and development of a new reform agenda for the National Regulatory System for Community Housing.