What the election means for housing – and for business
5 MIN READ
The housing crisis is now a national economic priority.
The 2025 federal election made one thing clear: housing is no longer just a social issue – it’s a defining economic challenge. Labor’s historic win has delivered the clearest mandate in decades, and housing sits at the centre of its domestic agenda.
For developers, builders, finance providers, and community housing organisations, this changes the game. Policy settings are firmer, funding streams are opening, and federal and state roles are shifting. Businesses that understand the new landscape – and position accordingly – will be first in line for opportunity.
Why this guide, and why Orizontas
This article draws on what we’ve learnt advising housing sector clients through funding bids, strategy resets and engagement with governments at both state and federal levels.
Our team includes former Ministers, senior political advisors and media professionals who’ve helped shape – and deliver – government-backed housing initiatives.
Recent work has included:
- Advising Harnest, the social and affordable housing arm of Mazzei Group, on strategy and messaging ahead of a Prime Ministerial site visit
- Supporting cross-sector housing coalitions in developing advocacy strategy and briefing materials for senior federal officials
- Helping clients map and position for Housing Australia and state-based programs such as Homes Victoria and LAHC (NSW)
This guide distils those lessons into what businesses need to know – and do – now.
1. The politics of housing have stabilised
Labor’s election win was decisive. With an increased majority and many progressive crossbenchers returned, the government has a clear mandate to accelerate delivery. The Housing Australia Future Fund is now locked in, with bipartisan support at the margins and many of the fiercest opponents voted out.
This gives developers and providers greater certainty. While not every approval or process is streamlined, the policy direction is no longer in doubt.
What this means:
Expect more announcements, more pressure on delivery timelines, and more direct funding arrangements at both federal and state levels. The time to shape and respond to these initiatives is now.
2. Treasury, not Social Services, is now driving housing
The machinery of government shifts after the election are telling. Housing now sits with the Treasury, signalling a repositioning of the crisis as an economic issue – one with direct implications for productivity, labour mobility, and inflation.
What this means:
Government expects scale, speed, and cost-efficiency. Social outcomes still matter, but providers must demonstrate economic impact. Business cases should speak the language of growth and national benefit.
3. The private sector is now a delivery partner
Federal and state governments have made it clear: they won’t solve this crisis alone. The future of housing delivery lies in partnerships – between government, not-for-profits, and private capital.
We’re already seeing this play out in:
- Joint ventures with superannuation funds
- Mixed-tenure developments with community housing providers
- Innovative financing and land release strategies
What this means:
Traditional boundaries are shifting. Private developers and financiers that can navigate government priorities and community expectations will have a competitive edge.
4. Advocacy must now focus on implementation, not ideology
The political debate about whether government should fund housing is over. The focus has moved to delivery, planning, and partnership design.
Critically, this means business and industry bodies need to shift their messaging:
- From “why housing matters” to “how we can help deliver it”
- From “fix the system” to “here’s a shovel-ready model”
What this means:
There is more appetite than ever in Canberra for constructive engagement. But access and influence now hinge on having a clear, solution-oriented offer.
5. Don’t miss the window – align early
The federal Budget, state housing programs, and enabling policies (on planning, skills, infrastructure) are moving fast. Those who aren’t already engaged may miss the next wave of opportunity.
What this means:
The best time to align your strategy with government priorities was six months ago. The second-best time is now.
What good looks like – a real example
Recently, Orizontas supported Harnest to host Prime Minister Albanese at a social housing site delivered in partnership with a state housing authority and funded by the federal government.
The project – a live example of public-private partnership – helped put housing delivery on the national stage and showed what successful collaboration can look like.
What this means for business
The opportunity is real, but timing and positioning are everything. Now is the time to clarify your offer, align with policy, and engage the right stakeholders.
The government has set bold housing targets and is actively looking for credible delivery partners. But access won’t come automatically.
Based on the shifts outlined in this article, businesses should consider:
- Where they fit in the new housing ecosystem, including rental, social and affordable models
- How their offering aligns with funding and policy levers, such as Housing Australia and the Accord
- What commercial and operational models will make them a credible delivery partner
- How and when to engage the decision-makers who shape funding, planning and partnership opportunities
If your organisation sees potential in this space but isn’t sure how to position, partner or progress, now is the time to start the conversation.
How Orizontas can help
We work with developers, community housing providers, finance groups and industry alliances to help them:
- Shape messaging and strategy for engagement with the government
- Understand and position for funding or partnership opportunities
- Navigate stakeholder sensitivities across all levels of government
Want to understand where you stand – and how to move forward? Let’s talk.
Contact
Dean Sherr
Phone Number: +61 (0) 423 394 949
Email: dean.sherr@orizontas.com.au