Are Media has welcomed the passage of the Federal Government’s key housing policy, the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), which represents the biggest investment in social and affordable housing in more than a decade.
The fund will now become law after a deal brokered with the Greens has seen an additional $1 billion added to the fund, which is designed to build 30,000 new and affordable social homes in its first five years.
Are Media’s chief executive officer, Jane Huxley said the passage of the legislation is a great day for Australia’s most vulnerable, particularly for women fleeing domestic violence and facing homelessness.
“Every day we hear from our readers about the struggles women, particularly those over 50, face finding a home after a marriage breaks down or they become victims of domestic violence,” she said.
“Over the past year, we have been part of a nationwide coalition of community, women and housing groups fighting for a major boost for community and social housing.
“Our Unhoused campaign has seen more than 27 of Are Media’s omnichannel brands regularly creating content on homelessness and calling for Government action.
“Today I’m proud and pleased to say that because of the work of thousands of campaigners and a government that has recognised the growing homelessness crisis, the future for many Australians is just a little bit brighter.”
Kate Colvin, CEO of Homelessness Australia said: “The homes delivered with this funding will be life-changing for every woman and her family housed. The positive outcome achieved, with even more funding committed than was originally planned, is a testament to the many voices that have joined the call to address the housing crisis.”
As part of the Unhoused campaign, Are Media in January announced it would contribute $1 million in pro bono advertising space across its portfolio of omnichannel brands to be shared among homelessness, family violence sectors and women’s organisations working to solve women’s homelessness.
Are Media announced the first three recipients of the foundation – Youth Off the \ Streets, Housing All Australians, and Everybody’s Home – who were each allocated $250,000 in advertising and creative support to feature in Are Media brands in 2023.
Working with a coalition of the country’s leading housing organisations, Are Media’s “Unhoused” campaign was launched in 2022 to drive a significant increase in funding for safe homes for Australian women.
Watch the Unhoused video here.