❓ Hon Steve Martin asked about the public housing waitlist as of 30 September 2023. The answer provides the number of applications on both the general and priority waitlists, along with context regarding housing market pressures and government investment.
AnsweredQoN 1705Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the public housing wait list, and I ask: (a) as of 30 September, how many applications are on the public housing wait list, and representing how many individuals; and (b) as of 30 September, how many applications are on the priority public housing wait list, and representing how many individuals?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 November 2023
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Housing
Response time
7 days
(a)-(b)
The Department of Communities provides multiple pathways, including public rental housing, bond assistance loans, and other supports, to those unable to obtain housing through the private sector. It should be noted that the majority of applicants for public housing have access to some form of accommodation.
Rental vacancy rates have tightened across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly impacting the housing market. A tight private rental market will reflect an increase in the number of applications for social housing. Many people who may be otherwise housed, may seek the safety net of public housing when there is significant pressure in the private rental market.
The State Government continues to accelerate social housing delivery through its record $2.6 billion investment, including via a diverse range of delivery methods like modular builds, timber frame, pre-fabrication, and spot purchasing programs.
The current waitlist remains well below the peak of 24,136 applications in November 2010 under the former Liberal-National Government.
As at 30 September 2023, there were 19,114 applications on the Public Housing wait list State-wide, representing 34,117 people. This includes 4,875 priority applications representing 9,568 people.
The Department of Communities provides multiple pathways, including public rental housing, bond assistance loans, and other supports, to those unable to obtain housing through the private sector. It should be noted that the majority of applicants for public housing have access to some form of accommodation.
Rental vacancy rates have tightened across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly impacting the housing market. A tight private rental market will reflect an increase in the number of applications for social housing. Many people who may be otherwise housed, may seek the safety net of public housing when there is significant pressure in the private rental market.
The State Government continues to accelerate social housing delivery through its record $2.6 billion investment, including via a diverse range of delivery methods like modular builds, timber frame, pre-fabrication, and spot purchasing programs.
The current waitlist remains well below the peak of 24,136 applications in November 2010 under the former Liberal-National Government.
As at 30 September 2023, there were 19,114 applications on the Public Housing wait list State-wide, representing 34,117 people. This includes 4,875 priority applications representing 9,568 people.
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