Coalition Pledges $5 Billion for Housing Infrastructure in Election Promise

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has unveiled the Coalition’s latest election promise, committing $5 billion to critical infrastructure works such as sewerage, water, and power to kick-start the construction of new homes.?

Announced on Saturday, 19 October 2024, the plan is part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing Australia’s housing crisis.

Key Details of the Housing Infrastructure Program

The proposed Housing Infrastructure Program aims to facilitate up to 500,000 new homes by ensuring developments are supported with essential infrastructure.?

The $5 billion fund will be distributed through a combination of grants and concessional loans to developers, local councils, and state governments to accelerate new projects.

This infrastructure investment comes alongside other housing-related commitments previously announced by the Coalition, including:

• A two-year freeze on purchases by foreign investors to ease market pressure.
• Capping the number of incoming overseas students if the Coalition wins a majority in the next federal election.

Dutton framed the plan as a practical solution to boost housing supply and ease the growing affordability crisis.

A Focus on Supply and Market Access

“The biggest hurdle to getting new homes built is often infrastructure," Dutton said. "This program will ensure that housing developments aren’t stalled by a lack of sewerage, water, or power systems—paving the way for 500,000 new homes to come online.”

The announcement reflects the Coalition's shift towards improving supply-side factors in the housing market, with a focus on local infrastructure bottlenecks that have delayed or limited housing projects in the past.

A Strategy to Control Market Demand

In addition to the infrastructure program, the Coalition has proposed measures aimed at curbing housing demand from international buyers and students.

• Freezing foreign property purchases for two years: This moratorium would give Australian buyers a competitive edge and reduce market overheating.
• Capping overseas student numbers: The Coalition argues that limiting student migration would reduce pressure on the rental market, particularly in university cities.

These policies reflect a more interventionist approach than previous housing policies, which primarily focused on incentives for first-home buyers.