Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to speak about an issue that is central to the wellbeing of our communities: affordable housing in regional, remote and rural Australia. This is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about ensuring that every Australian, regardless of where they live, has access to the security and stability that a home provides. It is about creating opportunities, fostering wellbeing and strengthening the fabric of our society.

Housing affordability is a challenge that resonates across the nation but is particularly acute in our regional, remote and rural areas. These communities are the backbone of our nation, contributing significantly to our economy, our culture and our way of life. Yet, despite their importance, these areas often face unique challenges that can make accessing affordable housing a significant hurdle. Geographic isolation, limited infrastructure and fluctuating local economies are just a few of the obstacles that can make finding a secure and affordable home more difficult in these regions.

Today I am pleased to share with you some key initiatives that the Australian government has put in place to address these challenges and improve access to affordable housing in these regions. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring that all Australians, regardless of where they live, can find a place to call home. One of the cornerstone initiatives is the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee, the RFHBG, designed to help eligible homebuyers purchase a home sooner. Administered by Housing Australia on behalf of the federal government, the RFHBG allows eligible first-time homeowners in regional areas to purchase a home with as little as a five per cent deposit without the burden of lenders mortgage insurance. This initiative is about giving young Australians and families in our regions a fair go, helping them overcome the financial hurdles that often stand in the way of homeownership.

Since the election of the Albanese Labor government, more than 100,000 people have been helped into homeownership with the Home Guarantee Scheme, including over 13,000 single women and more than 15,800 through the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee. We are particularly proud that this scheme has been expanded to allow friends, siblings and other family members to apply jointly under these guarantees. This expansion reflects our understanding that homeownership can be a communal goal and recognises the diverse ways in which Australians support each other.

But homeownership is just one part of the equation. The government is also acutely aware of the need to increase the supply of affordable housing more broadly, particularly in regional, remote and rural areas. This is where our Housing Australia Future Fund, the HAFF, comes into play. It is a commitment to boosting a supply of affordable housing across the country. Over the next five years, the HAFF will deliver 30,000 new social and affordable homes, with a significant portion of these homes targeted for regional, remote and rural areas. These homes are not just numbers on a page; they represent a commitment to the wellbeing of our most vulnerable citizens. A portion of these homes will be specifically allocated for women and children fleeing domestic violence, veterans at risk of homelessness, and the maintenance and improvement of housing in remote Indigenous communities. We recognise that these groups face unique challenges, and we are committed to providing them with the safe, secure housing that they need.

In addition to increasing housing supply, the government has also introduced the Help to Buy shared-equity scheme, a pivotal program aimed at low- and middle-income Australians. This scheme provides a government equity contribution of up to 40 per cent for new homes and up to 30 per cent for existing homes. In regional and remote areas, where incomes may be lower and housing costs may be higher relative to these incomes, this scheme is helping more people get a foot in the door, quite literally, of their own home.

This government is also taking steps to ensure that our existing social housing stock is well maintained and expanded when needed. For example, in 2024-25, Western Australia will receive $190.2 million from the Commonwealth under the NASHH, which will support the delivery and maintenance of approximately 1,400 public housing dwellings in my electorate of Pearce alone. This comprehensive approach is essential to ensuring that no-one is left behind.

As we move forward, it is important to remember that these initiatives are part of a broader long-term strategy. We know that the housing challenges we face didn't happen overnight. The Albanese Labor government is committed to working closely with the states and territories, local governments, community organisations and the private sector to deliver better housing outcomes.

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