Olivia Spadina from Housing All Australians' Queensland State Committee puts forward two examples of how the private sector can work with government and community housing providers to provide immediate housing solutions.
Australia's housing crisis has reached a critical tipping point. With median house prices skyrocketing and rental availability plummeting to historic lows, thousands of Australians are facing an unprecedented struggle to secure affordable housing. But within this challenge, an innovative private sector solution is emerging that could revolutionise how we approach this national emergency.
Housing All Australians (HAA) is pioneering a business-led transformation in social housing, proving that corporate Australia can play a pivotal role in addressing one of our nation's most pressing challenges.
By leveraging pro bono professional services, donated resources and private sector expertise, HAA is unlocking 'compassionate capitalism' that exists within the private sector and creating scalable solutions that complement government efforts and deliver immediate impact.
Reimagining vacant spaces
The organisation's flagship initiative —
the pop-up housing model — exemplifies the power of creative thinking in crisis response. This innovative approach transforms vacant buildings awaiting redevelopment into temporary accommodation for vulnerable Australians. It is always done in collaboration with an NFP service provider for the vital support services.
The success of The Lake House project stands as testament to this model's effectiveness, having provided safe housing through the YWCA for over 130 women while supporting their journey toward permanent accommodation and employment.
Construction company Hanson Yuncken's video of The Lakehouse Project and their collaboration with Housing All Australians
This year's revitalisation of HAA's Queensland State Committee marks a significant expansion of these efforts. Drawing together volunteers from diverse corporate backgrounds, the committee is actively identifying and transforming underutilised buildings across the state, with a particular focus on supporting women leaving domestic violence situations.
Introducing Gardenhouse––a pop-up women's shelter in Melbourne
A long-term vision for affordable housing
Beyond immediate crisis response, HAA is pioneering systemic change through the Progressive Residential Affordability Development Solution (PRADS). This groundbreaking model creates a supply of privately owned rental housing at below-market rates––without requiring government assistance. The innovation lies in its use of restrictive covenants, ensuring properties remain affordable for at least 30 years before reverting to market rates.
To ensure transparency and accountability, HAA is developing a comprehensive PRADS register in collaboration with PEXA, a leading ASX-listed Australian prop-tech business specialising in digital conveyancing. This digital register will track affordable housing stock across Australia, providing governments with crucial data for policy planning and resource allocation.
The PRADS register will also be able to monitor the compliance obligations of the owner, property manager and the tenant ensuring the property maintains its affordability over the 30-year period and unlock private sector capital to drive the delivery of affordable housing.
For the first time, stakeholders will have access to accurate, real-time information about affordable housing availability and distribution.
The phases of the PRADS model look like this:
The power of partnership
What sets HAA's approach apart is its emphasis on collaboration between business, government and community sectors. By harnessing the efficiency and innovation of private enterprise while maintaining focus on public outcomes, HAA is demonstrating how cross-sector partnerships can deliver practical solutions to complex social challenges.
As Australia grapples with its housing crisis, the work of Housing All Australians offers a compelling model for action. Scalable solutions––from pop-up housing to the PRADS initiative––show how private sector innovation can complement government efforts to create meaningful change. With continued support from businesses and volunteers, these initiatives could help chart a path toward a future where every Australian has access to safe, secure and affordable housing.
The message is clear: While government action remains crucial, the private sector's role in solving Australia's housing crisis cannot be understated. Through creative thinking, collaboration and commitment to social impact, businesses can help build a more equitable housing future for all Australians.
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