Housing Australia has appointed Rachel Bacon as deputy chief executive officer. She joins from the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), where she was deputy commissioner, and brings more than 28 years of policy and program delivery experience.
Housing Australia, the independent national housing authority, works with the private sector, community housing providers, and all levels of government on programs that help Australians access affordable housing or buy a home, according to the Australian Government Directory. Those programs include the Help to Buy scheme.
That scheme is growing. From 1 July 2026, the agency made 10,000 new Help to Buy places available for 2026–27 across all states and territories and raised income eligibility thresholds. The lender panel has also expanded, with a new lender added to the Help to Buy scheme in July.
Before the APSC, she was the founding head of the implementation division at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and a deputy secretary at the Department of Infrastructure. She has also represented both the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments at Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meetings.
Across those roles, her focus has been on implementation, including work that spans agencies and governments. That background suits Housing Australia, which works with all levels of government.
Acting chief executive Sarah Amos said Bacon’s experience would help the agency strengthen its capability.
“Rachel’s commitment to public service, collaborative leadership style and strong focus on delivery, together with the depth and breadth of her experience, will be invaluable as Housing Australia continues to strengthen its capability and deliver on its important housing mandate,” Amos said.
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