Housing Ministers progress housing reforms

Housing Ministers from the Commonwealth, States and Territories today agreed to progress important reforms to the social housing system.

At a meeting held in Adelaide, Ministers discussed the progress of the housing component of the Australian Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

All governments agreed to seek out projects that achieve a six star energy efficiency, access for the aged and disabled and the growth of not-for-profit housing organisations.

Ministers reaffirmed that 75 per cent of the 20,000 homes to be built will be completed by December 2010.

Ministers noted that work is already underway on repairs and maintenance of approximately 48,000 public housing dwellings and well progressed on the first stage of construction of new dwellings.

Ministers also agreed to pursue a long-term agenda of reform to public and social housing to increase the social and economic participation of public housing tenants.

Ministers agreed that all future social housing should be well located, close to transport, jobs and services. Ministers further agreed to the importance of reducing concentrations of social housing to create mixed communities.

Ministers agreed to the long-term growth of not-for-profit housing organisations including the creation of a national system for registration and regulation of not-for profit housing providers.

Ministers noted the progress in implementing COAG reforms on homelessness.

The newly appointed Queensland Minister was unable to attend today’s meeting.