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With the 2010 federal election being tomorrow, the Coalition has announced a “Plan for Real Housing”.

Both the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and Housing Industry Association (HIA) have welcomed the release after criticising the major campaigning parties for failing to acknowledge housing throughout the election campaign. Australia is in the midst of a housing crisis with a real shortage of available housing and no relief in sight.

“The REIA supports the Coalition’s proposal to encourage states, territories and local government to release land, cut red tape, improve planning processes and reduce charges,” REIA president David Airey said yesterday.

Under the Coalition’s plans, states and territories would have to set targets for land release and dwelling approvals and would risk missing out on Federal funding if targets were not met. This proposal would certainly encourage all states to act swiftly in ensuring that Australia’s housing demands are met.

HIA’s chief executive Graham Wolfe said a cooperative approach between the different levels of government was an essential ingredient for delivering “long overdue improvements” in the supply of new housing but he stressed it would “take leadership and ownership of the components that inhibit supply”.

HIA also expressed a view that the government should establish a Federal Housing and Development Ministry, separate from social housing. This ministry should focus on addressing the country’s housing shortage as well as the issues of housing becoming unaffordable to First Home Buyers.

The Federal Housing and Development Ministry should take responsibility for coordinating Commonwealth, State/Territory and local government regulations and policies, and for cross portfolio collaboration with the view of increasing housing supply and improving housing affordability.