Urban Taskforce welcomes Cabinet continuity as housing supply push gains urgency

The Albanese government’s decision to retain key ministers in critical portfolios has been welcomed by the development sector, as industry leaders urge the new Cabinet to move quickly on housing delivery and infrastructure commitments.

Clare O’Neil to continue leading housing policy

Urban Taskforce Australia CEO Tom Forrest (pictured) said the reappointment of Clare O’Neil as minister for housing and homelessness – and her new responsibilities as minister for cities – is a vote of confidence in her leadership.

“With housing being such a big feature of the election campaign, having Minister Clare O’Neil keep her position as the minister for housing, minister for homelessness as well as picking up additional responsibility as minister for cities is a reflection of her work in this critical policy area for the re-election of the Albanese government,” Forrest said.

Housing Accord targets must be delivered

Forrest praised the government’s commitment to retaining its housing targets, noting that stability in leadership is essential for delivery.

“Having stability in ministerial leadership is critical to maintaining momentum and there is no time to be lost in getting on with the job of boosting housing supply,” he said. “The fact that the Housing Accord targets will be maintained is a welcome outcome from the election as these were critical to focussing policy makers on housing supply.”

The Housing Accord aims to deliver 1.2 million new homes by 2029, but recent forecasts showed the nation is already falling behind—particularly in New South Wales.

In February, only 3,390 homes were approved in NSW, down sharply from 6,062 in January and well below the 6,250 monthly approvals needed to stay on track. Over the past year, just 45,563 homes were approved in the state—only 60% of its annual target—prompting the Property Council to warn that NSW is on course to miss its Accord commitment by 185,000 homes.

Urban Taskforce backs five-point plan

Forrest reiterated the organisation’s five-point action plan to address the national housing crisis:

1. Fast-track promised infrastructure projects to support housing growth.
2. Roll out Round 3 of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) without delay. “Housing Australia must move quickly now to finalise contracts and deliver housing,” Forrest said.
3. Support the private sector, which delivers 95% of homes. “Our industry is keen to work with the Albanese Government to deliver housing to solve the crisis,” he said.
4. Link federal funding to state planning reforms and cost reductions, including support for off-site prefabricated housing. “That system of rewards for change should be adopted now,” Forrest said.
5. Expand Housing Australia’s role to directly purchase new supply and manage delivery to key workers and social housing recipients.

Broader Cabinet changes affecting housing

The appointment of O’Neil was part of a broader reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with several key ministers retaining their roles—offering much-needed continuity in portfolios linked to housing, infrastructure, and planning.

Urban Taskforce also highlighted the importance of Catherine King remaining minister for infrastructure, and Murray Watt taking over the environment portfolio, both seen as vital for progressing development feasibility and housing approvals.