Submission: Commonwealth Land Affordable Housing Bill
29/09/2026
The Tenants’ Union of NSW welcomes the opportunity to contribute our feedback on the Commonwealth Land (Affordable Housing) Bill 2026. The Tenants’ Union is very supportive overall of the Bill especially at a time in Australia where there is a real shortage of affordable rental homes. It's important that Australia increases its supply of social and affordable housing and for this to take place then all policy levers must be in play. If there is to be the sale of public land where it's appropriate for residential homes 30% of the land should be directed towards affordable housing which ensures that public resources after they are sold will provide an ongoing benefit for society.
Recommendations
- 30% of dwellings constructed on disposed Commonwealth land as affordable housing should be seen as a base minimum rather than an accepted normative level
- Any exceptions to the 30% minimum within the Regulations should be very limited to ensure that the ongoing benefit of this land to the community can be maximised
- Broaden the scope of who can manage these affordable housing dwellings to include public housing providers in order to not restrict a state or territory entity from purchasing and managing the Commonwealth land.
- Work with state and territory governments to ensure local legislation does not inhibit the ability for affordable housing to be retained in perpetuity.
- Include in the legislation a limit of CPI only rent increases in the first 3 years after properties are no longer part of the Affordable Housing system if perpetuity is not possible due to local land laws
- Income -based rent setting model with a sliding scale starting at 20% for very low income households up to 30% with a secondary limit of 75% of market rent.
- Include requirements to comply with intake guidelines which include a hybrid of wait turn and needs assessment and ensures the household is selected before the rent is set.
