Media release

16 September 2023

Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) has welcomed the NSW Essential Housing Package announced today by the State Government but warned much more is needed to address the growing housing crisis.

“The funding announced today is welcome, but it will primarily allow existing programs and services to continue,” said Mark Degotardi, CEO of CHIA NSW.

“While it’s critical these services and programs continue, the funding will not even make a dent in the social housing waitlist, which is 56,000 families and individuals long,” Mr Degotardi said.

“To quote Premier Minns himself; we have a housing crisis that needs urgent attention. Urgent attention means serious investment from our State Government to build the social and affordable homes people in NSW desperately need,” said Mr Degotardi. 

CHIA NSW hoped to see the Minns Government announce funding for social and affordable housing in Tuesday’s State Budget.

“Tuesday’s Budget is an opportunity for Premier Minns and his Government to confront the crisis head on, by delivering significant funding for social and affordable homes and making the most of recently announced Federal Government initiatives,” said Mr Degotardi.

“The housing crisis for low-income families in NSW will only get worse, and every delay makes the problem that much harder to solve.

“We’re in this mess because of chronic, decades-long neglect from successive governments in social and affordable housing. I hope the Minns Government will put a stop to this short-sighted trend on Tuesday, or our most vulnerable people in the community will continue to pay the price. Providing social and affordable housing makes social and economic sense.

CHIA NSW said the community housing sector is ready to partner with the State Government to start boosting the supply of homes needed.

“Not-for-profit community housing providers have projects that are ready to go. NSW Government funding is the key to unlocking these projects.  I urge Premier Minns to respond to the crisis on Tuesday and start putting keys in the doors of more social and affordable homes across NSW,” said Mr Degotardi.

Media contact: Kayla Foster, 0447 040 029