Housing targets should be ambitious but not arbitrary, says REIQ

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is responding to revelations that Treasury has advised the Albanese Government that its flagship housing target of 1.2 million homes will not be met, describing the advice as disappointing but unsurprising.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the disclosure highlights the pressing need for a coordinated national housing strategy that moves beyond big numbers.

“These targets are just numbers until they are realised as homes,” Ms Mercorella said.

“We want to see bold ambition - but it must be backed by practical, coordinated action and not just arbitrary numbers that make headlines but don’t result in enough homes being built.”

Ms Mercorella said the failure to meet such a critical commitment reflects the broader issues hampering Australia’s housing delivery framework - from workforce shortages to planning inefficiencies, infrastructure gaps, and sluggish approvals.

“There’s no productivity without housing. If we want a strong and resilient economy, ensuring all Australians have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing must be treated as a central economic priority,” she said.

The REIQ is calling on the Federal Government to ensure that housing affordability and delivery are prominent agenda items at the upcoming Productivity Roundtable in August.

“This roundtable presents a vital opportunity to acknowledge that housing is more than a social issue - it’s a cornerstone of national productivity and wellbeing,” Ms Mercorella said.

“We’d like to see Governments at all levels committing to reforming planning systems, investing in enabling infrastructure, and supporting the construction sector to meet real, achievable, and measurable housing goals.”

ENDS

Media enquiries:
Claire Ryan, Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager, The Real Estate Institute of Queensland
M: 0417 623 723 E: media@reiq.com.au

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