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Department of Community Services • Policy Briefing

Community Housing Policy Update 2025

Strengthening pathways to affordable housing for all Australians

Comprehensive reforms to Australia's community housing framework, introducing new eligibility criteria, streamlined application processes, and expanded support services for vulnerable community members.

Key Changes

Expanded eligibility criteria - 15,000 more families can apply
New digital application system - 60% faster processing
Wraparound support services - mental health and job services
Higher quality standards for all housing properties

Implementation Timeline

Public consultation open Now
Community forums begin July 25
Consultation closes August 15
Policy takes effect September 1

Share your thoughts on the proposed changes through our accessible online form

All Ways to Participate

Online Form

Complete our accessible survey (5-10 minutes)

Start Survey

Phone Consultation

Speak directly with policy team (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Call Now

Email Submission

Send detailed written feedback

Send Email

Community Forums

Attend in-person sessions across Australia

Book Session

What happens next?

  • • All feedback is reviewed by our policy team
  • • Key themes are incorporated into the final policy
  • • A summary of feedback received will be published
  • • The final policy will be available on September 1, 2025

This policy update represents the most significant reform to Australia's community housing system in over a decade. The changes will directly impact how Australians access affordable housing and the support services available to them.

What This Means for You

If you're currently in community housing or seeking accommodation, these changes will:

  • Make it easier to apply through our new digital system
  • Provide access to additional support services
  • Ensure higher quality housing standards
  • Expand eligibility to more families in need

Key Statistics

  • Investment: $450M over 4 years
  • People Affected: 50,000+ residents
  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Scope: All states & territories

Implementation Approach

The rollout will be staged across three phases:

  1. Digital Infrastructure (August 2025) - New application systems
  2. Service Expansion (September 2025) - Wraparound support services
  3. Quality Standards (October 2025) - Enhanced property requirements

This phased approach ensures minimal disruption to current residents while delivering improved services as quickly as possible.

Full Policy Document

Complete policy framework with implementation details

Best for: All stakeholders
PDF, 45 pages

Executive Summary

Key changes and impacts overview

Best for: Media, community leaders
PDF, 8 pages

Easy Read Version

Simplified language with visual aids

Best for: Community members
PDF, 12 pages

Audio Briefing

Professional narration of executive summary

Best for: Vision impaired, busy stakeholders
MP3, 12 minutes

Accessibility Commitment

  • • WCAG 2.1 AA compliant
  • • Screen reader optimized
  • • Multiple accessible formats
  • • Mobile-first design

Page Information

Last updated: July 10, 2025

Full Accessibility Statement

Department

Australian Government
Department of Community Services

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