It calls for stronger federal action on tax reform and infrastructure to boost housing supply
With the elections set for next month, Urban Taskforce Australia is calling for both the Albanese government and the opposition, led by Peter Dutton, to prioritise housing supply and affordability in their election commitments.
Urban Taskforce chief executive Tom Forrest (pictured above) stressed the need for decisive action, particularly in the areas of tax reform and infrastructure funding, where the federal government plays a critical role.
“The housing supply crisis and the cumulative cost of housing and rents since COVID demands a significant response by both the Albanese government and the Dutton government-in-waiting,” Forrest said.
The organisation is urging the Coalition to maintain its commitment to the National Housing Accord targets, which have driven planning reforms and placed a sharper focus on increasing housing supply across the country.
“To walk away from the Accord targets would be a mistake,” Forrest warned, emphasising that bipartisan support is essential to keep the pressure on state governments and local councils to deliver on housing commitments.
While the industry association acknowledged the Coalition’s recent pledge of $5 billion for housing-related infrastructure, it pointed out that the Albanese government may have allocated more funding overall but has struggled to effectively communicate its efforts. Forrest believes that providing additional support to state governments to build essential infrastructure, such as roads, water, and social services, is key to enabling future housing developments.
Urban Taskforce also highlighted the importance of broader tax reform to support long-term economic growth and housing affordability. Forrest suggested that eliminating inefficient taxes, such as stamp duty, and expanding the tax base could be a step in the right direction.
“National Competition Policy reform wasn’t a walk in the park, but it helped that the Hawke, then Keating, then Howard government’s drive for productivity growth – was backed with generous assistance to the states,” Forrest said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called a national election for May 3, kicking off a five-week campaign that will see the centre-left government seek a second three-year term.
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