Communities left waiting for government action on housing

Sixty-six unions, community and faith organisations have today written to the Premier, the Treasurer, and the Ministers for Planning, Lands and Property, and Housing and Homelessness to call on the government to fund in the 2024-2025 budget the ALP policy commitment that of all homes built on surplus government land, at least 30% be mandatorily required to be set aside for social and affordable housing. The letter also called on the government to release an audit of government land that was committed before the election a year ago. 

The organisations make up the NSW Communities Alliance representing civil society across Sydney and the Hunter region.

Sydney Alliance Co-Lead Organiser and Housing lead, Cat Coghlan, said that Alliance partners have been waiting for too long to see how the Minns government will implement promises and announcements made on social and affordable housing.

“Over the past year we’ve seen some positive announcements about housing planning, and the bringing together of multiple government agencies under one roof, Homes NSW. But without substantial detail like the land audit promised to be completed by the end of last year, it’s hard to know exactly where these homes will be built, and how - let alone what impact the homes will make to relieve the housing crisis”, Ms Coghlan said.

Uniting Church NSW/ACT Reverend Alimoni Taumoepeau, believes the Premier has a moral imperative to ensure the government delivers housing that serves the public interest, including those in most need in the community.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop our city so all people from all walks of life can belong and can thrive. Affordable and secure housing is central to the health of Sydney’s future and do make it possible, social and affordable housing must be properly funded by all levels of government”, Reverend Taumoepeau said.

Shelter NSW CEO, John Engeler says that it’s up to government to provide the much-needed houses.

“NSW is under great pressure to create more homes for people. With social housing stock languishing well below 5% of all housing stock we look to government to do its part to turn this around”.

“Government has the power, lands and funds to build or buy social and affordable rental housing at scale, for those who have been consistently failed by the private market”, Mr Engeler said.

National Tertiary Education Union NSW Division Secretary, Vince Caughley recognised that the Minns government has listened to community concerns about the longer-term impacts of affordable housing policy announced since being elected.

“The community sector has successfully appealed for the government to commit to policy that will see affordable housing being delivered in perpetuity rather than returned to developers after 15 years. The need for affordable housing provision will still exist in 15 years and should remain part of the plan”, Mr Caughley said.

Read the full letter here.

Media contact: Cat Coghlan, Co-Lead Organiser, Sydney Alliance

                             Mobile 0414 824 503