NSW lowest funding for social housing per capita in Australia

One Australian state pumps the least funding into social and affordable housing per capita in the country, new figures reveal.

NSW invests the least in social housing per capita in the country, new data has revealed.

Community Housing Industry Association analysis highlights NSW’s lack of investment in social housing, with more than 50,000 people waiting for housing in the state.

CHIA chief executive Mark Degotardi said there was an opportunity to remedy the issue in the upcoming state budget.

Community Housing Industry Association chief executive Mark Degotardi said there was a chance to fix the crisis. Picture: Supplied

“We have the longest social housing waitlist in the country with almost 58,000 families and individuals waiting – and yet we are investing the least,” Mr Degotardi said.

“Families in NSW put their trust in the Minns government one year ago – it’s now time for the government to repay that trust.

“The Premier has clearly acknowledged there is a serious housing crisis – now is the time for action and strong investment in the social and affordable housing that is desperately needed.”

SGS Economics modelling revealed the state government could build tens of thousands of affordable social housing if it invested $2b per year for the next five years to combat the crisis.

The funding would deliver 25,000 social and affordable homes across Greater Sydney and regional NSW.

Per capita social and affordable housing funding in NSW relative to other jurisdictions. Picture: CHIA NSW

CHIA’s modelling suggested over the next five years, the state government could save as much as $1b by partnering with community housing providers to deliver half of those homes.

“The opportunity is right in front of the government,” Mr Degotardi said.

“NSW has the largest, most capable community housing industry in Australia.

“Partnering with not-for-profit community housing providers to build more homes that families desperately need is exactly what the community expects from the Labor government.

Victoria is also experiencing a social housing crisis. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Josie HaydenGreens

“If the NSW government is serious about getting the 58,000 families and individuals off the social housing waitlist and into homes, it can make a significant start by making the investment and working with community housing providers to build more homes for less.”

NCA NewsWire has contacted the NSW government for comment.