This bill became law on Sep 28th, 2023.
Budget, tax & economy
Australia’s national housing finance body is now called Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC., but it stays the same legal organisation rather than being replaced.
Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC.’s expanded housing role and the approaching end of its bond guarantee left its funding, governance and oversight rules needing an update. The bill keeps the same legal body, enlarges its board, limits support to approved applications, requires annual NHIFA funding facility that supports housing-related infrastructure, and the bill requires it to be reviewed every year with reports tabled in Parliament. reviews, and extends the Commonwealth guaranteeA federal government backing for Housing Australia bond issues that helps it borrow more cheaply and gives investors more confidence. to 1 July 2028.
The National Housing Finance and Investment CorporationThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. had operated since 2018 to improve housing outcomes, and after the Albanese government announced a broader housing package in the October 2022-23 Budget and consulted on it over December 2022 and January 2023, this bill was introduced to refit that body for a wider role. It kept the same legal entity but renamed it Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC., expanded the board, tightened how support could be given, required annual NHIFA funding facility that supports housing-related infrastructure, and the bill requires it to be reviewed every year with reports tabled in Parliament. reviews and, after Parliament passed it in September 2023, extended the Commonwealth bond guarantee to 1 July 2028.
Critics said the bill and linked housing package were too vague about how money would be used and supervised, risking weak accountability, off-budget debt exposure and uncertain delivery of new homes. That case was raised most directly by Coalition speakers such as Aaron Violi, while some crossbench supporters also wanted stronger safeguards, transparency and protections for regional communities rather than rejecting the bill outright.
Julie Collins MP introduced this bill. In the recorded House second-reading vote, support came from Labor, Centre Alliance, Katter's Australian Party, some crossbench members; opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, some crossbench members.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 28 Sept 2023
Final passage
No counted final vote
4 recorded votes on the bill were found earlier in passage, but the final chamber agreement was not a counted division.
Passage speed
231 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Australia’s national housing finance body is now called Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC., but it stays the same legal organisation rather than being replaced.
Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC.’s board is larger, with 6 to 8 members plus the chair, giving the body more capacity to run its wider housing role.
Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. can only give loans, grants, guarantees or business support when an eligible organisation has applied under the rules in the investment mandateThe rulebook that tells Housing Australia what kinds of loans, grants, guarantees and support it is allowed to provide..
The law sets up yearly reviews of the National Housing Infrastructure FacilityA funding facility that supports housing-related infrastructure, and the bill requires it to be reviewed every year with reports tabled in Parliament., with each review report required to be tabled in Parliament.
The Commonwealth guaranteeA federal government backing for Housing Australia bond issues that helps it borrow more cheaply and gives investors more confidence. that backs Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. bond issues now runs until 1 July 2028, which supports continued low-cost finance for community housing.
(1) The body corporate that was established by this subsection as previously in force by the name National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation continues in existence as Housing Australia.Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Act 2023 final Act text
(b) at least 6, and no more than 8, other members.Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Act 2023 final Act text
(4) Housing Australia may only make loans and grants to, issue guarantees to or provide assistance in capacity building to, an entity in the performance of its functions mentioned in subsection (1) if the entity has applied to Housing Australia for the loan, grant, guarantee or assistance in capacity building under subsection (2).Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Act 2023 final Act text
(3) The Minister must cause a copy of the report to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the report is given to the Minister.Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Act 2023 final Act text
Omit “1 July 2023”, substitute “1 July 2028”.Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Act 2023 final Act text
Context
The National Housing Finance and Investment CorporationThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. had operated since 2018 to improve housing outcomes, and after the Albanese government announced a broader housing package in the October 2022-23 Budget and consulted on it over December 2022 and January 2023, this bill was introduced to refit that body for a wider role. It kept the same legal entity but renamed it Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC., expanded the board, tightened how support could be given, required annual NHIFA funding facility that supports housing-related infrastructure, and the bill requires it to be reviewed every year with reports tabled in Parliament. reviews and, after Parliament passed it in September 2023, extended the Commonwealth bond guarantee to 1 July 2028.
National housing finance body begins operating
The National Housing Finance and Investment CorporationThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. commenced operation as the Commonwealth's housing finance body, creating the institution later renamed and reshaped by this bill.
Hansard ↗Budget announces the government's housing legislative package
The October 2022-23 Budget set out the Safer and More Affordable Housing measure, under which the government said this bill would help deliver its housing election commitments.
Hansard ↗Government consults on the housing package
The government publicly consulted on the package, receiving 46 written submissions and holding three consultation sessions before finalising the legislation.
Hansard ↗Housing Measures No. 1 bill is introduced
The bill was introduced as part of the Housing Legislative Package to rename NHFICThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. as Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. and update its governance, oversight and financing settings.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, clearing the way for the renamed Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. to operate under the new board, review and support rules.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Bill receives Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into law.
Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into law. turned the bill into law, including the extension of the Commonwealth guaranteeA federal government backing for Housing Australia bond issues that helps it borrow more cheaply and gives investors more confidence. backing Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. bond issues until 1 July 2028.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Referred to Committee (09/02/2023): Senate Economics Legislation Committee; Committee report (22/03/2023)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Recorded vote: 84 to 49.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
Consideration in detail debate
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber. Later message exchanges with the other chamber were still recorded afterwards.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Recorded vote: 34 to 27.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Committee of the Whole debate
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form. The main accepted Senate changes reflected in the final bill were: The introduced and as-passed bill texts differ in 2 observed text blocks. Observed text changed from "Part 2—Consequential amendments 20 Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. Act 2018 20 Schedule 3—Extension of Commonwealth guaranteeA federal government backing for Housing Australia bond issues that helps it borrow more cheaply and gives investors more confidence. 21 Sche…" to "Part 2—Consequential amendments 21 Schedule 3—Extension of Commonwealth guaranteeA federal government backing for Housing Australia bond issues that helps it borrow more cheaply and gives investors more confidence. 22 Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. Act 2018 22 Sche…".
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into law., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
Critics said the bill and linked housing package were too vague about how money would be used and supervised, risking weak accountability, off-budget debt exposure and uncertain delivery of new homes. That case was raised most directly by Coalition speakers such as Aaron Violi, while some crossbench supporters also wanted stronger safeguards, transparency and protections for regional communities rather than rejecting the bill outright.
Most criticism was about safeguards and delivery, not opposition to more affordable housing itself.
Too vague and weak on accountability
The sharpest criticism was that the bill did not spell out enough detail about how housing funding would be allocated or monitored, leaving Parliament with too little oversight and too much reliance on later directions and administration.
Reliance on off-budget borrowing and financial risk
Opponents argued the approach relied too heavily on off-budget borrowing and financial structures that could create debt and inflation risks without giving enough certainty that the spending model would deliver the promised housing outcomes.
Too little focus on practical supply constraints
Several non-government speakers said the measures were only a first step and would fall short unless paired with planning reform, infrastructure, construction capacity and clearer attention to regional and rural housing needs.
Further sources
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Passed 35 to 27. Support came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, UAP, and minor parties and independents.
Passed 34 to 27. Support came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, UAP, and minor parties and independents.
Passed 35 to 27. Support came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, and UAP.
Passed 84 to 49. Support came from Labor, Centre Alliance, Katter's Australian Party, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Amendments grouped by chamber. These cards include amendment outcomes recorded without a counted division.
House
Passed 92 to 48. Support came from Labor, Greens, Centre Alliance, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This accepted the Senate change and let the Treasury Laws housing measures bill pass both chambers in the same form.
Passed 77 to 6. Support came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and Centre Alliance. Opposition came from Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The amendment was defeated, so the House moved on to the main second-reading vote.
The House agreed to the amendments made by the Senate, so the bill could pass both chambers in the same form.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
Senate
Defeated 11 to 29. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, One Nation, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents.
This was a second-reading statement vote, so it tested whether the chamber would endorse the Greens' critique and rent-control call rather than the bill itself.
Defeated 3 to 36. Support came from One Nation and UAP. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents.
This was a second-reading statement vote, so it was about endorsing a political explanation for the housing crisis rather than changing the bill text.
Passed 34 to 24. Support came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, UAP, and minor parties and independents. One Nation had split recorded votes.
The amendments gave Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. more flexibility to enter long-term housing contracts without those specified liabilities counting against the capital and reserves rules.
The Senate agreed to government amendments giving Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. more flexibility under the investment mandateThe rulebook that tells Housing Australia what kinds of loans, grants, guarantees and support it is allowed to provide. for specified loans or liabilities.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
This second-reading statement was defeated on voices and would have called on the government to negotiate reforms on no-grounds evictions, public housing sales, Crown land sales, co-operative housing and First Nations tenancy support.
Defeated on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate defeated an amendment on voices calling for negotiations on tenant protections, public housing, First Nations tenancy support and co-operative housing.
Defeated on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Julie Collins supports the bill because it renames NHFICThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. as Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC., streamlines its functions, and extends the Commonwealth guaranteeA federal government backing for Housing Australia bond issues that helps it borrow more cheaply and gives investors more confidence. to give the community housing sector and investors certainty.
Read in Hansard ↗Chandler-Mather opposes the bill and moves to replace the second reading with a criticism of Labor's housing plan.
Read in Hansard ↗Haines supports the bill and the wider housing package, saying it is a good start to overdue housing reform, but she wants amendments so regional, rural and remote Australia are explicitly covered and the new housing programs are tied to infrastructure and transparency.
Read in Hansard ↗Le says the government should take practical steps to increase social and affordable housing, and she supports the housing package in principle because it is a needed start.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
33 speakers · 36 contributions · 32 support · 1 unclear
“This Bill also streamlines the functions of Housing Australia and establishes an annual review mechanism for the National Housing Infrastructure Facility. This will allow the Government to regularly review the Facility's performance against the objective of increasing and accelerating the supply of new social and affordable housing.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Then there's the Housing Australia Future Fund, to deliver more social and affordable housing. There's a $10 billion investment in the fund to deliver 30,000 new social and affordable houses over five years. This is capital investment to create a revenue stream—again, foreign concepts for those opposite and, indeed, the Greens political party—which means it's sustainable.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I say today to all members of the opposition and the Greens: don't get in the way of the people of the South Coast getting the affordable homes they deserve. Do the right thing and support these bills. Our community cannot afford to wait any longer because of your political games. I commend the bills to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“From this fund we are firmly committed to delivering 30,000 houses over the first five years, including at least 1,200 in Tasmania, my home state. I remind all senators that the Housing Australia Future Fund is supported by the community housing sector. It's supported by the Housing Industry Association, Master Builders Australia, homelessness services, National Shelter, Homelessness Australia, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association, the Community Housing Industry Association and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. They all want to see these bills passed as a matter of priority. They want to see us get on with the job of delivering this housing. So let us get on with it. Let us pass these bills and get shovels in the ground, and hand over the keys of thousands of new houses to the Australians who so desperately need them. I commend the bills to the Senate.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Just this week the Albanese government announced a welcome new support for the Housing Australia Future Fund, meaning the housing legislative package is going to pass the Senate this week.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I will be proudly voting in support of this legislation. I call on those in the coalition opposition, the Greens and the broader crossbench to vote in support of this legislation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So, combined, this bill will see 30,000 social and affordable homes built in the next five years. That's what those opposite will be voting against. Let's be very clear: that's 30,000 social and affordable homes over the next five years—homes for victims of domestic violence and homes for essential workers priced out of their own communities—and those opposite are going to vote against it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Nita Green on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Green says Labor supports the bill as part of its housing package and wants it passed because it will drive more social and affordable homes, especially for vulnerable Australians. She argues the Greens and Coalition are blocking urgent investment for political reasons and says delay will not build any homes.
“The housing legislation package is a comprehensive suite of measures to get more social and affordable homes on the ground. The legislation implements our government's commitments to establish the Housing Australia Future Fund, to transform the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation and to establish the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Green says Labor strongly supports the bill because it would fund 30,000 affordable and social homes, including housing for domestic violence survivors, Indigenous remote housing repairs and homes for veterans. She argues the Greens, Liberals, Nationals and One Nation are blocking it for political reasons and should let it come to a vote.
“This is a bill that will provide 30,000 homes, affordable and social housing, something that we know people desperately need.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“Nevertheless, it's a relief to have this legislation on its way to being passed in the parliament. Unfortunately, we cannot solve all the problems Australia's housing market faces overnight, nor can the Labor government undo in one year what has been 10 years of delay and neglect by the coalition government more focused on themselves than on Australia. But what we can do is take the massive $10 billion investment in the form of the Housing Australia Future Fund that will deliver 20,000 new social rentals the first five years plus 10,000 affordable homes and run with it. That will make a difference; that will have an impact. It is for that reason I'm pleased that senators in this place will work with the government on this reform and not stand in the way of delivering a better life for Australians who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Helen Polley on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Polley supports the bill as part of the government's housing package, saying it will help Australians who need affordable social housing and improve access to safe, secure housing. She criticises the previous government for failing to act on housing insecurity and rising rent pressure.
“These bills will help Australians who need affordable social housing to get it.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Polley supports the bill and says it will help deliver thousands of new social and affordable homes, including for vulnerable Tasmanians, after years of coalition neglect. She argues the legislation is a needed response to the housing crisis and urges those opposite to stop blocking it.
“These bills will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of Tasmanians. The wait time for social housing in Tasmania has blown out because we simply do not have enough houses to meet the demand. In places around Australia that are facing the same problem, this suite of bills will help to combat this. The Labor government's housing reform agenda is ambitious, but we made a commitment at the election to address the dire housing crisis around Australia. The Housing Australia Future Fund Bill establishes a $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund to be invested by the Future Fund Board of Guardians to create returns which will fund affordable social housing. This fund will help to deliver 30,000 new social houses. It will provide $200 million over five years for housing in Indigenous communities, $100 million for housing for women and children impacted by domestic violence and women at risk of homelessness, and $30 million to build housing for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Albanese government will deliver for Tasmanians with the Housing Australia Future Fund, which is set to deliver homes for vulnerable Tasmanians. This important investment is a long time coming, after 10 years of discussion, delay and lack of consultation by the former coalition government on social affordable housing. The changes announced will ensure all states and territories benefit from the government's housing agenda to put more roofs over people's heads.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“The housing availability and affordability shambles inherited from the coalition desperately needs fixing. It will not happen overnight, but we recognise it must be done. These bills go a long way towards achieving our aim. The Albanese government reforms are much needed and urgent. They deserve our attention and the support of this parliament. They will help our most vulnerable, such as single mothers like Jenny and her children, who deserve to have a place to call home. There is nothing more important. So this bill deserves support from those opposite and a speedy passage through this parliament. I commend the bills to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Mr Deputy Speaker, in the last few minutes of my comments on this legislation I will say this: this is a $10 billion proposal that will go a long way to overcoming many of the problems I just spoke about. It may not fix them all but it will go a long way to addressing them. It is disappointing to hear that members opposite are likely to oppose this legislation. It is difficult to understand why. Quite frankly, the projects that will come from this legislation, if they're followed through, will go a long way to rebuilding our economy, creating jobs, creating skills and ensuring that as a nation we're in a much better place in years to come.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So I do commend the bill to the House, and I ask the parliament to vote for it. I ask the whole of the parliament to vote for it, because it is doing the right thing—not the perfect thing but the right thing—by Australians.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“What we have here is the single biggest investment in social and affordable housing in more than a decade. I'm so proud to be a part of the Albanese Labor government that is delivering these initiatives and this particular bill. I commend the minister, Julie Collins, the member for Franklin in my home state of Tasmania, for the work that she has put in to deliver this bill and also the other raft of initiatives that will deliver homes to vulnerable people.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It is so important, and it enables the most significant Australian government investment in housing in a generation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Labor understands this. We've worked on it, and the Housing Australia Future Fund is just part of helping us deliver the government's commitment of 30,000 new social and affordable rental homes in the fund's first five years.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The magnitude of the housing crisis is the clarion call to action which successive Liberal-Nationals governments failed to heed. We in the Albanese government are geared for action on this front because a home, as I said in my maiden speech, is like the warmth of a million suns. Let's bring our people out of the shadows and into the light. I commend the bills to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Taken together, these bills are first step in implementing our election commitment to establish the Housing Australia Future Fund. This is the most significant investment in new social and affordable housing in a generation. It's needed. We have a housing supply problem, particularly at the bottom of the market, the social and affordable market.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We need to make sure that we're providing more support not only for veterans who find themselves in these situations but for Australians more broadly. And that is what this bill is all about. It represents the Albanese Labor government's commitment to ensure that this government does all it can to provide that fundamental, basic human right that Australians need and deserve and should expect from government—a reasonably priced roof over their heads for themselves and their families. That is, importantly, what this particular bill will help us build into the future.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Even more specifically, in my community in the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury, $1 million of this funding, as it starts to be returned—because the fund is created, and it's making returns, and we're able to take out the funds we need—is going to go to my community for additional crisis accommodation. Anyone opposing this is saying to the people of the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury, 'You don't deserve what has been committed to you.' I urge those opposite, the Liberals, the Nationals and the Greens: please support this fund. Please do something that may not be perfect in your mind but you know is going to make a significant difference, and help us stop the 10 years of policy drift that this sector has seen that has landed us where we are. This is one really practical step we can take to start to turn things around.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“These bills are designed to deliver on that responsibility and to deliver on our 2022 election promises. This legislation will set up the Housing Australia Future Fund, a $10 billion fund that will be invested, with the returns to fund social and affordable housing.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This housing package is a comprehensive suite of measures to build more social and affordable houses. It is one of the most significant Australian government investments in housing in a generation. The legislation—the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023 and related bills—implements the government's commitments to establish a $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund to provide a stream of funding to ensure there is a pipeline of new social and affordable housing for Australians in need. It's 30,000 new homes, $200 million for acute housing needs in Indigenous communities; $30 million for veterans who are experiencing homelessness; and a $575 million injection into the National Housing Infrastructure Facility for immediate use for social and affordable housing. It's also about transforming the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation into Housing Australia, as the national home for key housing programs, to expand its activities. It's also about establishing the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council to provide independent advice to government on ways to increase housing supply and affordability.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We have established the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund. The returns on the fund will build 30,000 new social and affordable homes in the fund's first five years, including 4,000 homes for women and children impacted by domestic violence, or older women at risk of homelessness. In an historic deal, we are working with states, territories and the private sector to build more homes. We have set an ambitious target of one million homes by the end of decade. This is big, nation-building stuff that will transform the lives of so many.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Bill 2023 renames the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation as Housing Australia and expands its activities to support the delivery of social and affordable dwellings under the Housing Australia Future Fund. It also establishes an annual review mechanism for the National Housing Infrastructure Facility and provides certainty to the community housing sector by extending Housing Australia's legislated Commonwealth guarantee until at least 30 June 2028. I commend the bills to the Senate.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The passage of the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill will be an incredibly important step forward and a moment for this place to really fight to turn the tide on housing affordability in this country.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Julie Collins, including an amendment-moving contribution. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Moved amendment
Julie Collins supports the bill because it renames NHFICThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC. as Housing AustraliaThe renamed national housing finance body; on this page it is the same legal organisation that used to be called NHFIC., streamlines its functions, and extends the Commonwealth guaranteeA federal government backing for Housing Australia bond issues that helps it borrow more cheaply and gives investors more confidence. to give the community housing sector and investors certainty. She presents it as part of the government's broader housing package and says it will help deliver new housing commitments.
“The Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Bill 2023 forms part of the Housing Legislative Package, which delivers on the government's ambitious housing election commitments announced as part of the Safer and More Affordable Housing measure in the October 2022-23 budget.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Julie Collins supports the bill and says it is a significant step in the government's housing agenda, because it sets up the long-term framework needed to deliver more social and affordable homes. She frames it as part of a wider commitment to help Australians facing rising rents and homelessness.
“This package represents a significant step forward in implementing the government's ambitious housing agenda, establishing the frameworks and the long-term commitments needed to deliver better housing outcomes for Australians. I commend these bills to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“It's clear what the Senate now needs to do, and that is end the delays and support these bills right now.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We haven't had a federal government that cares about social and affordable housing for a long, long time. Everyone in this place needs to back this bill so that finally we can get that leadership started, because every level of government needs to be involved.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This is desperate, this is urgent and I encourage all members to rethink this and support our bills. People need to find decent housing. It is an absolute human right to ensure they have dignity and access to housing. I very proudly commend all these bills to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So I say to this House that this is a big step forward. This is a good bill, and I congratulate the Minister for Housing and also the Minister for Education, who was the shadow minister for housing and helped design this policy. This policy will help thousands of Australians. This policy that we are debating will mean that literally thousands of women and children are not turned away from domestic violence shelters. This policy means that nurses and other frontline workers, like police and cleaners, will have an affordable home to live in. This policy will get the federal government back into the provision of housing in Australia.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The housing legislation package will build more social and affordable homes. It will increase supply. It will be the most significant Australian government investment in housing in a generation and that is why it is remarkable that anyone in this place is not supportive of it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“To solve the problem of housing affordability and the shortfall in supply of housing in this country requires action. That is what these bills go to. We are taking responsibility for people in our communities by making sure we have a vision for not just now and the medium term but the long term of this country. I am really pleased and proud to support these bills today.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I am delighted to stand here and support these bills, these bills that are going to fundamentally make a difference. Is a gambling? No. We have a range of this type of funding across government that has been running well for many years, thank you very much. All of the scaremongering and the hoo-ha is just a disgrace. This is just political grandstanding. We are standing here with a series of bills and a policy that are going to make a fundamental difference to housing in this country, and that is something we should all get behind. Try to put some of that political spin, and muck and bother, away and think about those people out there tonight who cannot find affordable housing—single parents, key workers, families who are struggling. This is, critically, about the good and the wellbeing of the people of Australia. I commend these bills to this chamber.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
21 speakers · 3 support · 17 oppose · 1 mixed
“This is an opportunity for me to speak on these three bills. At the outset, I will make clear to the House that the opposition will be opposing the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023. We intend to support the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council Bill 2023 and, save for an amendment, which has been circulated in my name, to remove schedule 4, we'll be supporting the remainder of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Bill 2023.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The coalition will be supporting the Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Bill, but we'll seek an amendment to remove schedule 4 from this bill. As I've outlined, we're opposing the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But this bill is nothing to do with specific measures around housing. It is a complete cop-out. It is absolutely cowardly. It is saying: 'We're not prepared to make tough decisions within the budgetary framework, so instead we'll come up with this magic-pudding economics of borrowing money and earning more than the cost of it, and then we can spend that money.' We have to stand up to this, right here, right now. And that is why I urge the House not to support the second reading of this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'll continue from where I left off earlier to say that this bill is nothing more than a gambling bill whereby $10 billion will be borrowed and the taxpayer will incur the risk. The Labor Party hope to invest that money and generate a higher return on the money they invest, rather than the rate of interest they borrowed against.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“On that basis alone, the coalition will not support this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That's why those opposite are opposing this piece of legislation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill sounds great and has great objectives, but it won't achieve those objectives, except one—that is, it will help the Treasurer's focus on his own objectives for power. It will hurt Australians by putting pressure on inflation and, therefore, interest rates. It's pushing more work from this place, from the ministerial wing, down to the Reserve Bank. Then they say, 'Oh, well, it's an independent Reserve Bank.' The Reserve Bank is independent, but it's getting more and more in its in-tray because of the work that's not being done by this frontbench. We oppose this bill because it does nothing to help struggling families throughout this nation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“On the face of it, allocating $10 billion to build houses sounds like a solution to Australia's housing crisis. The proposition, however, is that the government first borrows the $10 billion, invests that $10 billion and then uses any return on investment to assist with housing. Of course, the underlying assumption is that the interest gained will be greater than the interest paid. This is lazy and irresponsible economics. The fund provides no certainty as to future returns. It is wholly reliant on the financial performance of the fund's investments in equities and other financial products. Furthermore, increased government borrowing will only add to inflationary pressures in the economy, leading again to higher interest rates. In fact, the IMF has already warned the government that the proliferation of such funds should always be avoided. This is economic trickery and lazy policymaking. It is a fictitious revenue scheme. It does not represent real spending on housing. These are the reasons that I do not support this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023 and related bills. The coalition does not support these bills, and not for the reasons Senator Sheldon just outlined. We support social housing. We want to see more social housing. We want to see the federal and state governments do more to address this issue. We just don't believe that this fund is the way to deliver it. I dare say that it won't deliver the ambitious targets they are saying it will deliver.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Unfortunately, the bill that's in the chamber today will not deliver affordable housing.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I think it is a very disappointing outcome and will be voting against this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So for these and many other reasons, we will not be supporting these bills. It is a cruel hoax on all Australians who so desperately need support to be able to afford to rent their homes, to take out a mortgage or to keep their mortgage. This will not do any of it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“On these two issues alone, the Australian people would expect the coalition to vote against this bill. But, when you put it into the context of the government's housing agenda, the false promises and failures would cast doubt even in the minds of those who lent Labor their vote at the last election.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on these three bills—the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023, the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council Bill 2023 and Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Measures No. 1) Bill 2023. The opposition have announced that we will be supporting the latter two, so I will be confining my comments to the first of these three bills, the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill, because I think it raises quite a number of issues that I'm not sure that we know the answers to.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In summary, we've got a government whose housing policies are in tatters, and first home buyers have dropped month on month under this government, with no action in response. Now they're trying to bring on the Housing Australia Future Fund legislation, which will add to the inflationary pressures already being felt by households around Australia and bring pressure onto the economy, with absolutely no certainty of any returns being generated and being able to be applied to housing. Our message is very clear to the government: a housing fund that will increase inflationary pressure and result in higher interest rates, that has no guarantee of return or the delivery of any housing projects, that's going to cost $400 million a year in interest rates and that's going to move community housing providers to the sidelines is not the way to deliver the positive change that so many Australians are needing right now. We will not be supporting the establishment of this fund.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But, when it comes to the lives of northern Tasmanians, now is not the time to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. As the government, you are expected to solve these issues, and I'm not going to get in the way. But supporting you does not get you off the hook if you don't deliver what is promised through this bill. I will act in good faith, but I will be holding you to account to ensure that you have delivered what it is that you have promised.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Sadly, I don't believe that this Labor government's housing policy, after promising the world to Australians, will deliver what is proposed. We'll see the number of first home buyers dramatically decrease. We'll see very few, if any, of the 30,000 new social and affordable homes ever started. Rents will continue to increase. Now they want to add further fuel to the inflationary flame through the upward pressure on interest rates that this policy will generate. These consequences follow a common thread through many areas of the government's policy and their history over the years, and it is this: their rhetoric never matches the implementation of what they've proposed to do. It is the coalition, with its track record, that I would ask the government to consider emulating, because it has generated real and tangible benefits for Australians right across this country. I oppose this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This will cause some good, I grant you that, but not for some time. Don't sell it as an answer to everything, because really it's an answer to very little.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is about playing accounting tricks with the budget while dodging the responsibility of actually getting houses built. Once again they are taking billions of dollars off budget not because taking it off budget helps in any way to build more houses but because it assists the government in obscuring the real truth of their own budget position.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Before making my contribution, I just want to respond to a few of the points raised by Senator Walsh. In particular, we're not voting against the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill because of fear, Senator Walsh. We're voting against this bill because it is bad policy. I'll talk about why in a moment, but let me make that very clear.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The other area that is of particular concern is around domestic violence. That area has one of the fastest-growing rates of homelessness as well. With this bill the government wants to build 700 new homes, I think, for women and children escaping DV. But the former Morrison government built 6,000 places for women and children escaping domestic violence. The minister for social services at the time—I was working under her as the assistant minister—and I picked out those 6,000 places, including in the member for Solomon's electorate through the Salvation Army up in Darwin; we built some safe places. I'd be interested to know from the member for Solomon whether they are built yet; I haven't had the chance to get up there since that announcement. There were other places in Victoria and New South Wales where the coalition government did some really good work with that $60 million safe places package.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
9 speakers · 6 support · 3 oppose
“So we now have an additional $3 billion of direct funding to go to build social and affordable housing. Of course, $2 billion of that was announced with the Social Housing Accelerator a couple of months back, and then just yesterday a further $1 billion was announced by the Prime Minister as a result of negotiation with the Greens. This is in addition, of course, to the agreement to have a minimum spend of $500 million from the Housing Australia Future Fund, even if the gamble on the stock market doesn't pay off for you that year. What we've really shown is that pressure works. We have secured an additional $3 billion for social and affordable homes, building thousands of homes for low-income renters, and we will now allow the HAFF to pass through the Senate this sitting week.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That all words after "House" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We're going to support the passage of these bills this week, but we are putting the government on notice. The Greens absolutely are now turning our attention to fighting for the rights of renters—renters who have been left behind by these bills.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The reality is that we do have the money to fix the housing crisis in this country, just as we have the money to lift everyone out of poverty. It is purely a matter of political will. Labor's plan and this bill will make the housing and rental crisis worse. But Labor is really the only obstacle standing in the way of solving the housing crisis. We won't stop fighting on behalf of the millions of people who are in housing stress and who are being left behind. We will not stop fighting, and I hope that Labor can see sense, can come to the table and come up with a plan that actually helps people, not one that puts them into more distress.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Yes, let's get the bill passed. Let's see $3 billion freed up this year to build a surge of public and affordable housing but then let's commit together as a parliament not to hand over to some cruel market ideology people's homes and the security for their family but invest in public housing with public money, with the wealth that only this parliament can give to a key national crisis.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We are here, unashamedly, as the party of renters. We hear their concerns and we are here to give voice to and act on their concerns. We're proud to have delivered what we have through standing up and demanding that Labor be better: an extra $3 billion available immediately to build public and affordable homes in Australia, and turning a $500 million annual disbursement from a maximum to a minimum. But the job isn't over yet, and there's a long, long way to go before renters have real justice in Australia.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It seems strange that I would even have to step this out for a federal government, but, when the federal Labor Party brought this bill to the parliament, they had a commitment to accessible housing that had a nice little carve-out for them. It said they would build accessible homes 'where possible'—where possible! And the Greens said: 'Not good enough. If you're going to invest this public money, you will build universally accessible homes.' We have achieved that outcome for the community, and I am very proud of that. On that basis, I will be withdrawing my second reading amendment on sheet 1962, relating to accessible housing.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The proposals before us—the HAFF and the $3 billion on the table, resulting from pressure from the Greens—are not enough, but they are an important advance on what we had nine months ago.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So the opposition will say no and the Greens will say: 'Do better. Have something in this bill that addresses the real crisis that renters find themselves in. Let's look at First Nations housing. Let's make sure we spend some real money, not just have a gamble on the stock market and then cap how much is going to be spent and, in some years, spend nothing at all.' These are real proposals that will help fix the problem, not see the problem get worse. That is the fundamental problem with the approach the government is taking: if this bill is passed as it is, the problem will get worse than it is now. The problem will be worse than it is now at the end of the next few years.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
2 speakers · 2 oppose
“One Nation opposes this Soviet-style reckless, wasteful market intervention. One Nation proposes getting down to basics: cutting immigration until housing and infrastructure catch up; cutting red tape, green tape and blue UN tape; comprehensively reforming taxation to give Australians a fair go; shrinking government to fit the Constitution; and getting the government the hell out of people's lives, enabling people to make choices that suit people's and families' needs. We do not need more bureaucrats and more waste; we need more houses, real houses. We need a return to basics. Let the tradies of Australia get on with the job.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“These bills do not address the cause of the national housing and rental crisis and, in terms of increasing housing supply, they are worthless. One Nation will not support this legislation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
9 speakers · 9 support
“This is a good bill, but it could be better. I will move amendments to ensure the specific needs of regional, rural and remote Australia are explicitly considered under these bills. I will do this because we have seen that if you don't explicitly target rural, regional and remote Australia, they can miss out. The previous government promised to spend $1 billion to help us unlock housing supply. Unfortunately, less than 25 per cent of that money was actually spent, and none of it came to my electorate in the last financial year. There was no dedicated, explicit consideration to the dire housing needs in regional Australia. That's unacceptable. This government has an opportunity to make this explicit, and I call on them to do so.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In sum, I want to make it clear that I agree with CHPs who have raised concerns that the funding is inadequate and that 30,000 homes may not be enough, but we must start somewhere, and having some social and affordable housing is, I suppose, better than having none. I support the minister in her efforts to take these measured steps to ensure we are helping the most needy and vulnerable.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In finishing, is this legislation perfect? No, it's not. But it's a start, and a start is what we must make. To delay would leave thousands of people languishing. Inaction is the only action that is unacceptable.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'm grateful to the boffins at the Grattan Institute who came up with this idea. I'm grateful to Labor for endorsing it as part of their election campaign. I'm grateful to the Greens for finally backing it. It's not where I would have started. But, for where we've ended up, I'm over the moon. This will mean so much for those who need it. I won't delay it a minute longer.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Overall, it's a great aspiration to tackle the housing crisis. I will support this package in light of that, because something has to give, but I ask the government to take on board these remarks, gathered and synthesised from experts and key stakeholders, because the genuine feedback is that this package is full of holes.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I welcome this bill and I hope that it does is much good as the minister promises. But, as I said, I do have some concerns, particularly with regard to off-budget spending. This concern is not limited to the Housing Australia Future Fund; it also relates to National Reconstruction Fund and the Rewiring the Nation fund, which collectively account for $45 billion in public money that will be invested and expended off-budget.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So I support this bill but I urge the government to guarantee the integrity of the board—it must be independent—and ensure the transparency of funding agreements. Again, after too many programs have been rorted, it is imperative that this be a program that is not rorted. I urge the government to leverage the funding agreements to drive improvements in the quality of housing that we're talking about—housing electrification—and drive mandatory inclusion zoning in developments. There are many more tools to improve access to affordable housing in Australia.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Is the housing legislation package enough? Probably not. A $10 billion commitment pales in comparison to the $290 billion the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation said would be required over the next two decades to meet the current and projected shortfall. Research from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute has also argued that an additional 727,000 social housing dwellings are required by 2036 nationwide or an annual average growth of 5.5 per cent to meet future projected need. The 20,000 houses over this period will only meet three per cent of that need. The Grattan Institute advocated the establishment of a $20 billion fund, providing an upfront gap subsidy, as opposed to an annual gap payment. So it's likely to not be enough, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm generally not in favour of borrowing money to spend, but in this case there is such a need for housing in Australia that it should be prioritised, and the Housing Australia Future Fund may be an efficient way to access additional capital for housing by providing acceptable and secure returns on investment.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I support these bills. This can't be the only thing we do. I think we need to work with mum-and-dad investors as well to see whether there's a way that we can have some sort of partnership with those people who want to build individual affordable houses rather than this just being large NGOs who are delivering affordable housing.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 84 to 49.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Consideration in detail debate
Consideration in detail
The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 34 to 27.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Committee of the whole: amendments considered
Amendment packages agreed
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
House · Message from Senate reported
Message from Senate reported
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Consideration of Senate message
Consideration of Senate message
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into law., turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Economics Legislation Committee; Committee report (22/03/2023)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (9 Feb 2023): Senate Economics Legislation Committee; Committee report (22 Mar 2023)
APH bill page notes
