In a major policy shift, the Federal Government has consolidated housing-related responsibilities under a single portfolio—Treasury—marking a new approach to housing policy development in Australia.
Previously spread across multiple departments, areas such as housing, rentals, homelessness, urban planning, and construction regulation will now be overseen by Treasurer Jim Chalmers. The change was formalised in this month’s Administrative Arrangements Order.
The Housing Industry Association welcomed the move as a “long overdue step forward,” highlighting the benefits of reducing duplication and improving housing supply outcomes.
“This is the first step in delivering the one million homes needed over the next five years,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.
The shift responds to longstanding concerns about fragmented oversight, with AHURI research noting that split responsibilities have weakened service delivery and policy impact. A centralised model is expected to support a more coordinated, strategic national response.
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