New Report Released | Energy Hardship in Community Housing
Australian Community Housing (ACH), in partnership with Community Housing Industry Association NSW and Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, has released Energy Hardship in Community Housing, new national research exploring energy hardship, thermal comfort and housing conditions in community housing.
The report provides evidence to support investment in healthier, more energy-efficient homes that reduce energy costs, improve wellbeing and strengthen sector advocacy.
Housing tax reform should do more than rebalance the system, it should help build the homes Australia needs.
ACH’s modelling outlines how revenue raised through Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing reform could directly fund thousands of new social and affordable homes across the country.
The numbers are clear:
- The $3.6B tax reform revenue could help kick-start this growth by funding 15,500 new homes by 2030
- Australia needs 510,000 additional social and affordable homes by 2050
- To get there, we need to start delivering 23,000 new social and affordable homes each year
The Housing Australia Future Fund is delivering results, with community housing providers leading the way. ACH’s latest HAFF snapshot shows 92% of CHP-led projects are progressing on track or within expected ranges, supporting the delivery of thousands of new social and affordable homes across Australia.
The community housing sector continues to demonstrate the scale, capability and commitment needed to deliver more safe, affordable homes for Australians.
Housing is not separate from productivity — it underpins it. Secure, affordable and well-located homes enable people to work, study, stay healthy and contribute to their communities.
Australia’s shortfall in social and affordable housing is not just a social issue, but a constraint on economic performance.
Community housing providers are part of the solution, delivering homes efficiently and ensuring long-term public value, but system reform is needed to unlock their full potential.
We’re proud to share the ACH Impact Report – First 6 Months.
This report highlights the progress we’ve made together as a sector — strengthening collaboration, amplifying our collective voice, and driving meaningful outcomes for community housing across Australia.
From national advocacy and sector engagement to strengthening connections across our network, these first six months have been about building momentum and laying the foundations for what comes next.
Thank you to our members, partners and stakeholders who continue to contribute, collaborate and lead.
We’re just getting started!
The Guide for Local Councils: The Delivery of Affordable Housing was launched at the Local Government Housing Forum on 27 November 2025.
Led by Australian Community Housing and supported by ALGA, the Guide aims to build capability and partnerships between local government and Community Housing Providers. It recognises that, while councils are not required to provide affordable housing, they may seek to play a meaningful role where it aligns with community priorities and capacity.
The Guide was informed by a national survey of councils and includes practical insights, strategies, and case studies to help councils to build partnerships, access funding, and support the delivery of affordable housing.
The Guide was developed with the support of Polis Partners and funded through Housing Australia. Download the Guide here, and watch a video that explains its use here.
Previously CHIA commissioned the City Futures Research Centre, UNSW to update 2016 analysis of unmet housing need with the 2021 Census data . A national and regional snapshot, as well as an interactive dashboard which provides a detailed breakdown of households with unmet need, can be viewed here.
This work was commissioned by CHIA with the support of the following organisations: CHIA NSW, CHIA Victoria, Q Shelter, Shelter TAS, Shelter WA and CHCSA.