Members Bulletin – 3 March 2025
Election Update
We are anticipating the election will be called within days. With PowerHousing Australia we hope to
have time to release a report by Swinburne University that, using the SIGMAH tool, estimates the
economic and social benefits from quadrupling the HAFF. The ABC seems interested.
As you’ll recall, we’ve been participating in the HomeTime campaign to end homelessness for young
people. As part of this effort we have more meetings with parliamentarians scheduled next week as an
element of the HomeTime election campaign which starts this coming Thursday.
Housing Australia Future Fund
A reminder that the definitive list of preferred Round 1 projects will be published on the Housing
Australia website on Monday 3 or Tuesday 4 March.
On Friday, Jo circulated a link to a R1/R2 HAFF survey. We appreciate you are all very busy, but your
feedback will assist me to put your case more effectively. Thanks to Polis and Partners who have
offered to do the analysis and prepare a report on a pro bono basis. If you do not receive the link
please contact Jo.
I am meeting Housing Australia to discuss the NHFIC Crisis and Transitional Housing program timetable
etc.
Build to Rent Affordable Housing Regulations
Along with the Property Council Australia and National Shelter we met this past week with the
Australian Treasury to discuss the second set of regulations that will set out the requirements for CHO
management, the definition of the affordable rental component and the commitment to desist from
‘no cause’ evictions.
Because the Coalition has signalled its opposition to the original legislation, work on these regulations
will be paused during the caretaker period. While the legislation was passed, with strong cross bench
support, there is a threat that this initiative could be unwound before it starts.
SPV Reports
As mentioned in previous bulletins, the community housing peaks have collaborated on a project to
investigate the growth in SPVs, the different SPV types, and the risks / benefits of the approaches
taken. Thanks to CHIA VIC colleagues who initiated and managed the project.
The first report – Special Purpose Vehicles in the Community Housing Sector – State of play,
identification of opportunities and risks was circulated just before Xmas. In addition to examining the
‘state of play’, the report sets out recommendations for the sector, government policy makers and
regulators.
1The second report – Special purpose vehicles: An introduction and six key areas of focus for community
housing organisations to consider was finalised last week and outlines the key risks and opportunities
CHOs should consider when establishing and operating an SPV, noting the differences between a
wholly owned SPV and a multi-party SPV. It also includes some practical tools to consider when
creating and registering an SPV. The report is available here.
Community Housing Climate Action Network
The Network met on 18 February. On the agenda (as well as the standard items) was:
• The Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI). Kate Boston, from the (Federal)
Department of Climate Change, the Environment, Energy and Water outlined the program. Its
funding has been increased from $300M to $800M and is being implemented by each state
and territory.
• Retrofitting options – presentations from the Window Film and Window Shading peak bodies.
The Network is also examining options for additional technical support to help CHOs implement the
roadmap. Any member can register to access the Climate Action Roadmap which is designed to assist
the sector prepare for the inevitable impacts of climate change and reduce climate change causing
emissions within their housing portfolios.
Conference – National Affordable Housing Development and
Investment Summit
Thank you to everyone who attended, and especially those who spoke. You made it a great success.
You should have received a link to a survey that if completed gives you access to the slides.