The former New South Wales Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport has been announced as the new Chair of Faith Housing Alliance, the peak body representing community housing providers, organisations and individuals united by a faith mission.
“Housing and planning reform have been key themes across my 16 years in politics, and as Chair, I intend to be a clear voice for housing justice,” said Stokes.
“The lack of stable and safe social and affordable housing in NSW and across Australia has been at crisis levels for some time, but now with rent inflation affecting both cities and regional areas, rebounding migration and the soaring cost of basic living expenses, hundreds of thousands of households are at risk.
“Member organisations with a faith-driven purpose, like Anglicare, Muslimcare and Wesley Mission, are committed to providing more than just a roof – and they have experience developed over generations of supporting individuals and families with wrap-around services that make tenancies sustainable and break the cycle of homelessness.
“Community Housing Providers with a faith mission are already making a significant impact, with four of our members responsible for delivering 65% of the housing under the NSW Social and Affordable Housing Fund. Amelie Housing, Anglicare Sydney, BaptistCare NSW & ACT, and Uniting NSW & ACT have co-contributed resources to make thousands of new homes feasible.
“I’m also looking forward to opening up discussions with denominational leaders about innovative partnerships should they feel called to use their land for housing justice,” said Stokes.
“Housing justice means more than increasing supply – it requires a focus on shelter for all – including those who might never afford it. Efforts to rapidly scale up housing supply are stifled by infrastructure funding constraints and slow development assessment, while tax policy benefits a minority of people to purchase multiple homes while others have none. Where’s the public benefit in that?
“The Housing Australia Future Fund is now stalled until October, and at a local level, Councils continue to battle negative NIMBYs, where more productive community engagement can produce housing that enhances neighbourhoods.
“Housing is consistently a top concern for Australians, but for many, it is beyond critical, as without stable shelter, lives fall apart. We’ve all got a part to play in tackling this crisis,” Stokes emphasised.
CEO of Faith Housing Alliance, Rose Thomson, said Stokes’ is a natural fit to lead as Chair.
“Stokes has been inspired by the work of our members who are at the forefront of this crisis every day. These are some of Australia’s most trusted charities whose dedication is a vibrant expression of their faith, long-term commitment to social justice and building communities where everyone can thrive,” said Thomson.
“Stokes, like many Australians, recognises that this issue is critical and wants to use his skills and capacities to address the housing crisis. We welcome everyone who feels passionately that housing is a human right to add their voice and be part of making a difference across our cities and regions.”
