The ACT Government announced today a housing policy revamp, including the restoration of rental relief, but the Canberra Liberals say this shows Chief Minister Andrew Barr has lost trust in his housing ministers.

A new Office of the Coordinator General for Housing will oversee the ACT Government’s housing policy framework, including the re-establishment of the Rent Relief Fund.

Low-income households experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship in the private rental sector can expect targeted, short-term support through the Fund.

ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said approved applicants of the Fund will be offered additional support services to assist in managing tenancies over the long term.

Director of Better Renting Joel Dignam said the Fund is “positive” but there needs to be additional changes alongside the scheme to help Canberrans stay in their homes.

“I think it’s coming from a place that housing is an essential service and we can’t have people being cut off from something they need to live because they can’t afford it,” Mr Dignam said.

“I think this issue does need a whole of government approach and it’s good to see that recognition and steps being taken.”

Mr Dignam said while more investment is needed, having this strategy in place is a way to help make that happen.

The new Office is set to coordinate intersecting areas of housing in the ACT and drive a “whole-of-government” approach to government objectives, including the growth and renewal of public housing in the ACT.

Mr Barr said the ACT Government will release more land over the next five years, “undertaking the biggest growth and renewal of our public housing stock since self-government”.

ACT Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry said the appointment of the Coordinator General to bring all housing initiatives together is a “recognition of the increased focus the government has placed” on housing.

However, Canberra Liberals leader Elizabeth Lee has hit back saying the creation of the new position is an admission from Mr Barr that “he does not trust the two ministers responsible for housing”.

Ms Lee said Mr Barr’s confidence in his ministers to address the housing crisis has clearly been lost and he’s “making sure he takes control over what is happening”.

“The priorities that have been outlined for this new position are the exact priorities that the Canberra Liberals have been calling for,” Ms Lee said.

“We have repeatedly called out the inadequate land release program and that the Labor-Greens government is not even meeting their own already low targets.”

The Office of the Coordinator General for Housing will oversee the following projects and activities:

• Establishing the first implementation plan with the Commonwealth Government to deliver on the priorities of the Housing Accord
• Delivering policy, legislative, procurement and planning reforms that increase housing access, affordability and choice
• The annual update of the Indicative Land Release Program
• Further tax reform, reducing stamp duty for owner-occupiers
• Managing direct procurement and/or market incentives for Build-to-Rent and affordable housing
• Continuing to grow and renew public housing through Housing ACT
• Increasing the capacity of the community housing sector
• Delivering increased urban infill in line with the government’s 70/30 commitment
• Increasing access to secure, affordable rental housing options
• Creating more housing options for low-income Canberrans
• Improving access to mortgage finance and improved loan serviceability.

The Rent Relief Fund will provide grants for up to four weeks’ rent, capped at $2,500, and is available until 30 June 2024.

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