National peak body Faith Housing Australia is calling for urgent cooperation to ensure Round 1 Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) projects proceed to contractual close during the caretaker period.
"Projects greenlit last September and now in final approval stages shouldn't be blocked," says Faith Housing Australia Chair, Rob Stokes.
“We’ve heard clearly from the Coalition that their ambition is to deliver 250,000 new homes annually. Both sides of politics agree on the critical need to increase housing supply to address the housing emergency.
“There is an inevitable uncertainty with any potential change in government. Continuing with the unsigned Round 1 projects is an opportunity to ensure the uninterrupted supply of social and affordable housing regardless of the election outcome,” says Stokes.
Data supplied by Housing Australia confirms that 92 projects were unsigned when caretaker conventions were enacted.
“5,565 homes under Round 1 are currently in limbo. All the while, construction costs increase and community housing providers can’t get on with delivering secure homes to vulnerable Australians,” Stokes highlights.
For faith-based providers, 22 projects, potentially delivering 885 homes, are stalled.
"Our members need funding certainty to start building. These projects will deliver new homes for flood-affected communities, people living with enduring mental illness, and families escaping violence. Any delay prolongs the wait for those with no private market options," Stokes emphasises.
ENDS
Key Facts:
Example member projects to deliver new homes currently waiting for final funding agreements:
• Wesley Mission—99 social and affordable homes to be delivered in Curtin, ACT, including 84 affordable units and 15 social homes as supported housing for people living with enduring mental illness.
• Anglicare North Coast—6 prefab homes that can be delivered in 6 months from order to flood-affected communities in the Northern Rivers, NSW.
• St Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia—12 homes for families escaping violence in Coonabarabran, NSW.
About us:
About Faith Housing Australia
Faith Housing Australia is the peak body representing faith-based organisations, including Community Housing Providers, Specialist Homelessness Services, faith leaders across diverse religions, and values-aligned professional organisations committed to housing justice. We work across Australia, advocating for a more equitable and just housing system at the federal, state, and local levels. Our membership comprises 72 organisations and individuals, collectively managing over 50,000 dwellings supporting 62,700 people with housing needs and support for 83,800 clients experiencing homelessness.
Contact details:
Rob Stokes is available for interview, and members with stalled projects are available for comment.
Media contact: Amanda Bailey 0429484632 or [email protected]