The Australian Institute of Architects has commended National Cabinet for its collaborative approach to the critical issue of housing, as it continues to call for more social housing.
Institute National President Stuart Tanner said the 1.2 million home target over the next five years would be an effective boost for overall supply in residential property.
The Australian Government and states and territories agreed to a plan to add another 200,000 homes to the previously agreed National Housing Accord goals of one million properties, through zoning reforms and a $3 billion incentive scheme.
“We commend leaders for making housing a priority,” Mr Tanner said. “If these homes are delivered within the five-year timeline, it will help our housing supply issues considerably.
“We are, however, concerned about the ongoing inadequacy of social housing supply and Australia’s capacity to realistically deliver this volume of housing in the time available, given construction material and labour shortages.
“In addition, this housing stock should be delivered with quality and sustainability as mandatory.”
Australia was forecast to have 80,000 more households than homes available in five years, according to NHIFIC’s State of the Nation’s Housing Report 20233-2023.
Across the country there is a rental vacancy rate of just over 1 per cent, leading to a sharp decline in the number of properties available at an affordable rate.
“Affordable housing shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be a necessity. The rates of housing stress and unaffordability in Australia are alarming and demand immediate attention,” Mr Tanner said.
The Institute has previously called for the supply of social housing to be addressed as a long-term commitment rather than short-term or one-off initiatives, through a bipartisan 30-year National Housing Strategy.
In particular, more appropriate homes for First Nations peoples should be a prime concern.
Mr Tanner called for a national minimum standard for the implementation of inclusionary zoning to be established in collaboration with the states to ensure the homes were supported by public transport and services.
“This is a great opportunity to get the settings right for density and sustainability in our towns and cities, as well as addressing supply,” he said.
“Architects have the right skills and experience to help with these reforms. We look forward to assisting on these issues.”
A survey of Institute members last year revealed more than three out of five respondents (62 per cent) said housing affordability was “absolutely critical”.
For further information, please contact: Rosanne Barrett on behalf of the Australian Institute of Architects | M. +61 (0) 425 420 024 | hello@barrettcomms.com.au
