Statement from Housing Australia Chair, Carol Austin

Earlier this week I advised the Hon Clare O'Neil MP of my decision to step down as Chair of Housing Australia, having led the organisation through a period of transformational change that will have a lasting impact on housing outcomes.

It is a critical time for housing policy in our nation. Over the past two years, the Board of Housing Australia has overseen a strengthening of governance and an uplifting of skills and capabilities to support its expanded mandate under the Government’s ambitious housing agenda.

Achieving this at pace and scale required a significant step change in organisational capability, sustained effort and genuine dedication from a wide range of people and partners. Importantly, the results demonstrate what can be achieved through genuine collaboration toward a common goal. I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to drive this positive transformation and to improve housing outcomes for Australians, particularly the most vulnerable in our society.

Major achievements of Housing Australia over the last two years as Chair include:

The first two funding rounds of the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility and National Housing Accord Facility with funding contracts executed for 18,650 social and affordable homes.
Establishing the National Housing Infrastructure Facility Crisis and Transitional Accommodation (NHIF CT) program in collaboration with states and territories. This facility will soon announce its first projects to support young people and women and children escaping domestic violence.
Expanding the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, launched on 1 October 2025.
Preparing to launch the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme to support more Australians to achieve the dream of home ownership.

With the foundations now well established and Housing Australia moving from transformation to delivery, I consider that the time is right to hand over to a new Chair who can lead the Board through the next phase of program implementation.

I thank my colleagues on the Board, the Housing Australia team and Minister O’Neil for their steadfast support. I am proud of what we have achieved together. It has been a privilege to work with them to deliver on Housing Australia’s mission of providing safe and affordable housing for more Australians. My resignation is effective from 27 November 2025, following the last Board meeting of the year.

I will work with the Minister to ensure a smooth transition before the end of the year.