Australia is facing a deepening housing crisis, with rents soaring and nearly 10,000 people becoming homeless every month, including essential workers like teachers and nurses. Martin Kennedy, Group Executive Manager of Public Affairs at Home in Place, argues that leaving housing to the private sector has failed and that government intervention is urgently needed.

Mr Kennedy highlights that in the 1950s and 60s, around 15 to 20% of all new housing was built by the government, a strategy that had bipartisan support for decades. He points out that past governments actively competed to build homes, but since shifting to a market-driven approach, the results have been disastrous. With social housing now rationed to only the most desperate cases, even full-time workers are struggling to secure stable housing.

The One in Ten campaign calls on the government to build at least 10% of all new homes, ensuring Australians have access to decent and affordable housing.

“That might sound like a radical idea in 2025, but it’s nothing more than a return to what has been proven to work,” Mr. Kennedy said.

Housing, he argues, is an essential service like healthcare and education.

“If we had a completely private education or healthcare system, many people wouldn’t be able to afford them. Yet, we rely almost entirely on the private sector for housing, despite millions struggling to find an affordable place to live. It doesn’t make sense and needs to change,” Mr. Kennedy said.

While factors such as tax incentives for investors, migration, and excessive red tape contribute to the crisis, Mr Kennedy emphasises that the biggest issue is the government’s retreat from building housing.

“Once upon a time, the government built a substantial amount of housing. Now it builds almost none, and that can be addressed in a straightforward way. We need to avoid unnecessary complexity and return to what has worked before,” Mr. Kennedy said.

The lack of investment in social and affordable housing has created a “housing Hunger Games,” with vacancy rates at record lows and long queues for rental properties. Young people, even those on decent incomes, are increasingly being priced out.

“We don’t just need more private sector housing—we need homes at prices that real people can afford. The overall number of homes being built per capita hasn’t changed much in decades, but the proportion of social housing has plummeted. That’s the missing piece, and it’s been absent for nearly 30 years.” Mr Kennedy said.

With a federal budget approaching and an election on the horizon, Mr Kennedy urges Australians to take action. “There has never been a better time for people to contact their local Member of Parliament and say that this is an issue that matters to you.” He encourages Australians to visit the campaign website at Home in Place and push for real solutions. Without intervention, he warns, “we’re going to rapidly end up living in a version of Australia that would have been inconceivable even 10 years ago.”