Federal Election: Party Commitments on Housing

As we head to the polls, here is where each of the parties stand on housing and services as at 30 April.

YWCA Australia has been advocating this Federal Election for strong investment in safe and affordable housing for women, gender-diverse people, and their families – because we know a safe home is the starting point to an equal future. Read more on our Campaign page.

Australian Labor Party has committed to

• $2 billion in concessional loans to states and territories over four years to unlock new housing projects currently stalled in planning.
• Supporting first home buyers through a $10 billion investment to build 100,000 homes, an $800 million boost for Help to Buy to support 40,000 buyers, and 5% deposits for homes at or below median prices.

The Coalition has committed to

• Investing in housing development infrastructure like power and water with a $5 billion commitment.
• Allowing first home buyers to claim tax deductions and withdraw superannuation through income capped tax deductable mortgage repayments, and superannuation withdrawable up to $50,000 or 40%.

The Greens have committed to

• Increasing social and affordable housing by establishing a federal public property developer to build over 600,000 affordable homes.
• Addressing Australia’s homelessness crisis by investing almost $13 billion to fund permanent homes and wrap-around services for 50,000 homeless Australians.
• Supporting renters by introducing a two-year rental freeze, followed by rent caps and investing billions to establish a National Renters Protection Authority.

Independents

Independents across Australia are working to increase social and affordable housing, regional housing, and Australia’s long-term plans for housing insecurity.

Key independents on this mission include David Pocock, Zoe Daniel, Monique Ryan, Zali Steggall, Helen Hains, and Andrew Wilkie.