HAFF set to pass Senate with renewed support

The federal government’s housing bill, which has been stuck in Parliament after facing opposition, has received the green light from the Greens after the government committed an additional $1 billion to the National Housing Infrastructure Facility.

This development comes after the Greens and the Coalition had previously presented a list of demands to further the scope of the housing bill. The stalemate had led to the threat of a double dissolution.

The bill, initially introduced in February, was reintroduced last month and is now expected to pass the Senate later this week.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called this legislation a “significant reform” for housing in a generation and emphasised its role in providing safe and affordable homes for Australians.

The HAFF includes plans for 30,000 new and affordable social homes to be built in the first five years, along with 4,000 homes for women and children affected by family and domestic violence or older women at risk of homelessness.

The legislation also includes funding commitments for various housing needs, including:

• $200 million for the repair, maintenance, and improvement of housing in remote Indigenous communities
• $100 million for crisis and transitional housing options for women and children impacted by family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness
• $30 million to build housing for veterans who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

“This will mean more homes for key workers, more affordable homes for Australian renters, and more homes for those most in need,” Mr Albanese said.

Greens applauds improved funding

While the Greens had initially criticised the HAFF for relying on stock market returns and not doing enough for renters, it has now commended the government after securing an additional $3 billion for housing.

Greens MP Adam Bandt highlighted the importance of this funding for housing and the growing influence of renters in the national debate.

“Nine months ago, the government refused to guarantee a single dollar for housing, and renters barely even registered in the national debate,” Mr Bandt said.

“The Greens have secured $3 billion directly spent on housing, and renters are now a vocal social movement that won’t be ignored.

“Renters are powerful and the Greens are the party of renters. We have won more money for housing for renters, and rent control is next.”

Additionally, the housing legislation package includes the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council Bill 2023, which establishes the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council as an independent advisory body.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Bill 2023 changes the name of the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation to Housing Australia and streamlines its functions.

[Related: Housing bill reintroduced as threat of double dissolution grows]