National housing campaign Everybody’s Home has joined peak housing and homelessness organisations in calling on the Senate to pass the Housing Australia Future Fund.
Crossbench Senators have strengthened the housing bill by guaranteeing at least 9,600 dwellings and a $500m annual spend.
Another $2 billion for social housing was announced at the weekend after months of campaigning from the community and crossbench.
Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize said while the bill is not perfect, there’s no time to waste.
“The crossbench has been instrumental in strengthening this package and now it’s time to pass it,” she said.
“The reality is that Australia is facing a shortfall of 640,000 social homes. We should be building at least 25,000 social homes each year to plug that shortfall. This housing package is an important first step but it certainly cannot be the last.
“The growing number of Australians experiencing rental stress and homelessness are counting on the Parliament to deliver for them.
“We will continue to push the Federal Government to invest more in social housing but we need action now.
“The housing fund is a starting point - it will be the new floor that we can build on. Now we need to get on with building more homes.”
Media contact: Sofie Wainwright 0403 920 301
