The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the Albanese Government's announcement of a fast-tracked Round 2 of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), to deliver up to 5,000 new social homes in partnership with states and territories.
Property Council Group Executive Policy and Advocacy, Matthew Kandelaars, said the accelerated delivery of these homes was a significant step towards addressing Australia's housing challenges and creating more security and opportunity for those most in need.
"The government's decision to fast-track funding for 5,000 new social homes is another strong signal of the national priority to build more homes, more quickly," Mr Kandelaars said.
"This initiative will add more urgently needed social housing stock and bring critical momentum to housing supply efforts across the country, unlocking significant new investment and creating thousands of construction jobs.
"Today's announcement is another important milestone, but we must continue to build on this progress and it's good to see the government making plans to expedite Round 3 of the HAFF early next year," he said.
Mr Kandelaars praised the government's pragmatic approach to working with states, territories, and community housing providers to accelerate housing delivery.
"We welcome the focus on additional housing stock, partnerships with community housing providers, and a 'use it or lose it' approach to ensure timely delivery," he said.
"The Property Council is working with governments at all levels, and with the broader housing sector, to deliver sustainable housing solutions that meet the needs of all Australians.
"Today's announcement reflects the ambition we need to tackle Australia's housing crisis. A home isn't just a roof over your head; it's a foundation for a better life. The Property Council will support this and future initiatives so that more Australians can access safe, affordable housing."
