Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has welcomed the Coalition’s adoption of her target for 30 per cent of funding for critical housing infrastructure to go to regional communities.

Dr Haines has been pushing for at least 30 percent of housing funding to be guaranteed to regional areas, through introduction of her own legislation in September 2023 and again in November 2024. 

This week, the Coalition responded with its own announcement that 30 per cent of its proposed Housing Infrastructure Fund would be quarantined for regional, rural and remote Australia.

The opposition’s $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund would build critical enabling infrastructure that unlocks new housing and means both the major parties now have positions that resemble the policies she has pushed for more than two years. 

“The cost of housing is causing significant stress on households in Indi, whether they are paying their mortgage or rent – and part of the reason for that is that we don’t have enough housing,” Dr Haines said.

“A major barrier to opening up new land for housing in regional areas is the enabling infrastructure and amenities such as sewerage and water connections, roads and footpaths, and electricity poles. It’s not shiny, but it’s critically important.

“I’m glad that The Coalition have now picked up what I’ve been talking about for over two years, and that’s the need for 30 per cent of housing funds to be put aside for regional communities. 

“In September 2023, and again in November 2024, I introduced legislation to guarantee 30 percent of housing funding is dedicated to the regions.  

“I met with Housing Minister Clare O’Neil just last week, and we had a productive discussion about securing a fair share of funding for the regions.   

Dr Haines said she would continue to push the Government to commit to dedicated housing funding for regional and rural Australia ahead of the election.

“I’ve been really loud about this issue and have worked across the parliament to advocate for a focus on regional Australia. We need the major parties to understand that regional areas experience issues differently to metropolitan areas. It’s why I put forward solutions forward that will benefit regional Australia. 

“It is clear that as an Independent, listening to the needs in our region here in Indi and coming up with solutions, that we can influence the policies of both the major parties and secure better outcomes for regional communities.

“So far, I have been pleased to secure some enabling infrastructure funding for Wodonga and Alexandra but much more investment is needed across the region.   

“I’m always there to work with members of Parliament to get what’s best for rural and regional Australia, for what is fair and what we need.”

Dr Haines’ Fair Share for Regional Housing Bill 2024 is here.

Dr Haines’ work on regional housing is here.