Housing targets need ambition and action, says REIQ
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In light of recent revelations that the Albanese Government’s ambitious housing target of 1.2 million homes is unlikely to be met, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has voiced its concerns, urging for a more coordinated and practical approach to housing strategy in Australia.
The Treasury’s advice to the government, which acknowledged the improbability of meeting the housing target, has been described by REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella as both “disappointing but unsurprising.” This development has prompted the REIQ to call for a shift in focus from merely setting ambitious targets to implementing actionable strategies that ensure these targets translate into tangible results.
“These targets are just numbers until they are realised as homes,” Ms Mercorella emphasised. Her statement underscores the institute’s stance that while ambition in housing targets is necessary, it must be accompanied by practical and coordinated measures to avoid being reduced to mere headline figures. The REIQ advocates for bold ambition in housing policies but insists that such ambition must be backed by realistic and substantive actions.
The broader issues affecting Australia’s housing delivery framework were also highlighted by Ms Mercorella. She pointed to several systemic challenges, including workforce shortages, planning inefficiencies, infrastructure gaps, and sluggish approval processes, as key factors contributing to the failure to meet critical housing commitments. “There’s no productivity without housing. If we want a strong and resilient economy, ensuring all Australians have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing must be treated as a central economic priority,” she stated.
The REIQ’s concerns come at a critical time, with the upcoming Productivity Roundtable in August presenting an opportunity for the Federal Government to prioritise housing affordability and delivery. The institute is advocating for these issues to be prominent agenda items during the discussions. According to Ms Mercorella, “This roundtable presents a vital opportunity to acknowledge that housing is more than a social issue – it’s a cornerstone of national productivity and wellbeing.”
In a call to action, the REIQ is urging governments at all levels to commit to reforming planning systems, investing in enabling infrastructure, and supporting the construction sector. Ms Mercorella articulated the importance of these reforms, saying, “We’d like to see Governments at all levels committing to reforming planning systems, investing in enabling infrastructure, and supporting the construction sector to meet real, achievable, and measurable housing goals.”
The REIQ’s position reflects a growing consensus among industry experts that Australia’s housing strategy requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The institute’s call for a national housing strategy that moves beyond arbitrary numbers is a plea for a more integrated and effective framework that addresses the multifaceted challenges of housing delivery.
As the housing crisis continues to impact Australians nationwide, the REIQ’s advocacy for a coordinated national strategy highlights the urgent need for systemic change. By emphasising the connection between housing and national productivity, the institute is advocating for a paradigm shift in how housing issues are perceived and addressed at the policy level.
With the Productivity Roundtable on the horizon, the REIQ’s message is clear: housing must be recognised as a fundamental component of Australia’s economic and social wellbeing. The institute’s call for practical, coordinated action serves as a reminder that achieving ambitious housing targets requires more than just setting goals; it demands a concerted effort to address the underlying challenges and implement effective solutions.