Released 03/02/2023 - Joint media release
The ACT Government’s policy framework to deliver more housing in the ACT will be overseen by a new Office of the Coordinator General for Housing to be based in the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate.
A growing city needs a variety of housing choices to meet changing demographic needs. With the change of Federal Government, all levels of government, institutional investors and the construction sector will be working together to construct more affordable housing where it is needed – close to transport, to jobs, and to public services.
The newly establish Office will co-ordinate the many areas across Territory Government that intersect with housing – driving a whole-of-government approach to deliver our objectives.
The Office will both oversee the delivery of major projects and coordinate activities across the ACT Government, including:
- Establishing the first implementation plan with the Commonwealth Government to deliver on the priorities of the Housing Accord
- Delivering policy, legislative, procurement and planning reforms that increase housing access, affordability and choice
- The annual update of the Indicative Land Release Program
- Further tax reform, reducing stamp duty for owner-occupiers
- Managing direct procurement and/or market incentives for Build-to-Rent and affordable housing
- Continuing to grow and renew public housing through Housing ACT
- Increasing the capacity of the Community Housing sector
- Delivering increased urban infill in line with the Governments 70/30 commitment
- Increasing access to secure, affordable rental housing options
- Creating more housing options for low-income Canberrans
- Improving access to mortgage finance and improved loan serviceability
The Coordinator General will also oversee the re-establishment of the Rent Relief Fund.
The Fund will provide targeted, short-term support for low-income households in the private rental sector who are experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship.
The Fund will be available to 30 June 2024 and provide grants for up to four weeks rent capped at $2,500.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister and Treasurer, Andrew Barr:
We are investing in our rapidly growing city – we have had the fastest growing population of any jurisdiction over the last 10 years, growing from 370,000 to around 460,000. In that time, we have been building more homes per capita than the national average.
Population growth will continue in the coming decade and housing demand will grow. That is why we are establishing the Office of the Coordinator General for Housing – to centrally deliver and coordinate this whole-of-government priority. The ACT Government is investing in our city and in infrastructure that is built for Canberra, to ensure that our city continues to be one of the most liveable in the world.
Over the next five years, the ACT Government is releasing more land. We are undertaking the biggest growth and renewal of our public housing stock since self-Government, and the Government’s upcoming reforms to the ACT’s Territory Plan will support more housing opportunities for more Canberrans over the next decade.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Yvette Berry:
Every Canberran should have a place to call home.
Which is why ACT government is continuing to deliver on its commitment, through the ACT Housing strategy, to ensure more housing options are available for Canberrans.
The governments ongoing growth and renewal of public housing program ensures that people will live in homes that better suit their individual needs, is more sustainable and more affordable to heat and cool.
Building more and new public housing for people who need it most gives even more Canberrans the chance to a safe and happy life.
The appointment of a Coordinator General for Housing will bring all the ACT Governments Housing initiatives together and is recognition of the increased focus the Government has placed on suitable, secure and affordable housing.
Quotes attributable to ACT Attorney-General, Shane Rattenbury:
The Rent Relief Fund will provide financial assistance to members of our community experiencing either rental stress or severe financial hardship. The fund will provide grants of up to $2500, alleviating some of the hardship households may be experiencing.
Applicants approved under the Fund will also be offered support services where appropriate to help them manage their tenancies over the long term.
Rental stress is a major factor impacting the wellbeing of many Canberrans. The Rent Relief Fund is just one way we’re supporting Canberrans in need. The stress of worrying whether you’ll have a roof over your head is something that no one should have to feel.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases