Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ciccone. It's good to see you back. Unlike the Greens, I know that you are serious about dealing with the issue of housing costs and homelessness. And, of course, the Albanese government wants every Australian to have a roof over their head.

Fundamental to tackling the country's housing challenges is increasing the supply of new housing. Just this week, we announced $2 billion in social housing accelerator, which will deliver new social, rental homes right across this country, including in Victoria, your home state. This money will be flowing to the states and territories within weeks and must be committed within two years to deliver thousands—I repeat, thousands—of new social housing homes to rent right across the country.

Funding has been to ensure a minimum of $50 million for each state and territory. States will have the flexibility in how to permanently boost social housing stocks, including new builds, expanding existing programs or renovating or refurbishing existing but uninhabitable stock to bring it back to supply.

This investment will mean life-changing new homes for Australians currently on social housing waiting lists right across the country. This $2 billion social housing accelerator is in addition to our ambitious housing reform agenda that builds on the commitment of the Albanese government to deliver the housing that Australians desperately need.