Australia is in the midst of a housing crisis, yet current action on housing remains fragmented and inadequate, both within and across different levels of government. Australia has never had a national housing strategy or plan that provides an authoritative framework for housing policy development, action and accountability. Recognising the current lack of direction and accountability on housing and homelessness policy, the National Housing and Homelessness Plan Bill 2024 was introduced to Federal Parliament by Kylea Tink MP and Senator David Pocock. In our submission, ACTCOSS urges Federal Parliament to pass the Bill, which would require the government to create a ten year National Housing and Homelessness Plan. The Bill’s recognition of housing as a human right, the establishment of a national housing plan, and its commitment to consultation with people with lived experience of homelessness are important steps toward realising the right to adequate housing for everyone in Australia.
