Social housing targets slipping as new report shows slow progress

A new report finds Australia's government is falling well behind its social housing goals two years into a major push to increase supply. The assessment, released this week, shows that the number of new homes delivered is far below what was promised, raising concerns for low-income Australians waiting for affordable housing. The government had set ambitious targets to address a chronic shortage, but construction delays, rising costs, and labor shortages have slowed progress. Community housing providers say the shortfall means more families are stuck on waiting lists or in temporary accommodation. The report also highlights that some states are moving faster than others, creating an uneven patchwork of availability. Without a significant acceleration, the goal of providing tens of thousands of new social homes by the end of the decade appears increasingly out of reach. Officials maintain the commitment remains strong, blaming global supply chain issues and a tight construction market for the delays.