The Malinauskas Labor Government is delivering the first substantial increase to public housing in a generation -- building an additional 564 public homes for South Australians in need and stopping the sale of 580 others.

Over the past 30 years, public housing in South Australia has increased in just one year– by six homes in 2014-15.

Today’s commitment means the current government will provide an additional 1,144 public homes by mid-2026 than would have been the case under the plans of the former government.

As part of its plan for A Better Housing Future, the State Government will commit an additional $55.2 million over the next four years into additional public housing.

The funding is on top of the government’s $177.5 million election commitment to deliver 400 new public homes, upgrade 350 others and allow extra maintenance for a further 3000 properties.

Today’s funding announcement will bring the total number of new public homes due to be constructed by mid-2026 to 564.

The government will also halt plans in train under the former government to sell off a further 580 public housing properties.

In addition, tens of millions of dollars are being invested to upgrade 350 vacant properties so they can be homes again for those who need them.

The State Government’s plan A Better Housing Future builds on other developments since the 2022 election including partnering with the Commonwealth on the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund and Housing Accord.

Together, these aim to deliver 50,000 social and affordable homes over five years from mid-2024 – with around 3500 in South Australia.

Quotes

Attributable to Peter Malinauskas

Nothing is more fundamentally important to a quality life than a safe, affordable home.

My Dad worked at the Housing Trust for more than 35 years. I’ve seen the difference public housing can make.

For too long, governments both Liberal and Labor have stood by as our public homes have been sold off, while waiting lists grow.

No longer.

My government is making the investments needed to deliver more South Australians the opportunity to fully participate in our society and our economy.

Attributable to Stephen Mullighan

South Australia has a proud history of public housing, but for most of my lifetime, it’s been in decline.

We have clear ambitions to turn that around.

These investments will mean more South Australians will have the security of a home.

When that happens, our society and our economy benefit.

Attributable to Nat Cook

This is the first time in a generation that we will see a proper increase in public housing.

It is a rare moment in history when both state and federal governments commit to expanding social and affordable housing at the same time – it just took the voters of Australia and South Australia placing their trust in Labor.

One of our key election platforms was a $177.5 million commitment to build and upgrade hundreds of public homes. We are doubling down on that commitment to deliver even more homes for those most in need.

We’ve stopped the former Liberal Government’s plans to sell off hundreds of homes to meet savings targets and will grow our public housing stock to ensure more people have access to comfortable and fit-for-purpose homes.