Media release

17 June 2023

The Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) says the $2 billion funding for building new social housing and refurbishing existing homes announced today by the Prime Minister is a welcome and timely step for addressing the housing crisis.

“There are 58,000 families and individuals in NSW on the social housing waitlist, who will be feeling some relief today that the Federal Government is committed to tackling this unprecedented crisis,” said Caitlin McDowell, Head of Policy at CHIA NSW.

“Significant investment in social housing is critical and this is a fantastic start. But we also need to see long term, ongoing investment to increase social housing supply,” said Ms McDowell.

The Social Housing Accelerator Fund will see $2 billion divided between the states and territories on a per capita basis. This is in addition to the previously announced $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund.  

CHIA NSW has called for the Social Housing Accelerator Fund to be used to deliver social housing through community housing providers.

“Community housing providers are not-for-profit organisations that have a demonstrated track record of delivering and managing high-quality homes for people in greatest need,” said Ms McDowell.

“Community housing is the most cost-effective model available to governments to deliver social housing, as we re-invest savings into more supply. By partnering with community housing providers, we can ensure that more individuals and families on the wait list will have a safe, secure and affordable place to call home.”

Media Contact: Tanya Evans, 0424 156 146