Media release

11 September 2023

Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) has welcomed the announcement of a deal on the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), saying it will come as good news to the tens of thousands of people in NSW living in housing crisis.

“This will come as a huge relief to the 56,000 families on the social housing waitlist in NSW alone,” said Mark Degotardi, CEO, CHIA NSW.

“Not-for-profit community housing providers are ready to start building the homes our state needs. We have housing projects right across the state that are shovel-ready, but just need an injection of funds,” said Mr Degotardi.

“That’s why I urge the Federal Parliament to pass this bill swiftly and partner with community housing providers to get families off waiting lists and into homes as quickly as possible.

“Community housing providers have a proven track record of helping families and communities thrive,” Mr Degotardi said.

CHIA NSW also urged the Minns Government to step up and play their part in fixing the housing crisis in its upcoming state budget.

“The Minns Government must not rest of the laurels of the Federal Government. This is a significant investment in social housing, but the HAFF alone won’t fix the housing crisis,” said Mr Degotardi.

“If we’re truly going to confront the housing crisis, we need the state government to step up and play their part too.

“The Minns Government needs to carve out significant, long-term funding in their own State Budget next week for social and affordable housing,” said Mr Degotardi.

Media contact: Tanya Evans 0424156146