The ANAO could assess the Department of Treasury’s management and oversight of whether Commonwealth and state and territory objectives ‘to unlock quality, affordable housing supply over the medium term’ are achieved under the National Housing Accord. For example, by examining whether funding mechanisms for affordable housing have been carried out according to expected timeframes and requirements; or how state and territory governments’ implementation schedules are monitored, to ensure delivery of their affordable housing allocations.

The National Housing Accord was established in 2022. The accord aims to address housing supply challenges to ‘ensure Australians have access to safe, stable and affordable housing’ that is also ‘close to work, schools and transport’. This includes commitments for ‘immediate actions’ by the Commonwealth, states and territories to: deliver up to 20,000 new affordable dwellings – of which 10,000 will be delivered by the Commonwealth; collaborate to improve financing for new social and affordable housing projects; improve zoning, planning and land release and make sure the right skills are available and improving access to social and affordable housing. The Commonwealth committed $3.5 billion to state, territory and local governments to support the delivery of homes in line with the Accord’s target.

Housing Australia (HA), formerly the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation, is the independent national housing authority and supports the delivery of Australian Government programs to improve the supply of social and affordable housing. HA is responsible for administering the Commonwealth’s commitment of 10,000 affordable dwellings under the accord.