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Australian local governments are set to receive targeted guidance on accessing funding through the third round of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), as Housing Australia and Polis Partners co-host a practical briefing aimed at streamlining the application process. The webinar, announced this week, comes as demand for social and affordable housing continues to surge across the country, and local councils increasingly look for ways to contribute to solutions.

The session will focus on how councils can effectively engage with HAFF, a $10 billion fund established to deliver 30,000 fresh social and affordable homes across Australia, according to a May 6, 2024 statement from the Australian government . A key component of the briefing will be a walkthrough of the newly released “Guide for Local Councils: The Delivery of Affordable Housing,” a resource developed using case studies from successful affordable housing initiatives nationwide.

Local governments often face challenges in navigating the complexities of affordable housing delivery, lacking clear pathways, established partnerships, or a comprehensive understanding of available funding mechanisms. This webinar directly addresses that gap, offering practical insights into how councils can leverage land, forge partnerships, refine planning processes, and develop enabling infrastructure to maximize their impact. Polis Partners will highlight proven delivery models and governance approaches, drawing on lessons learned from councils already actively involved in affordable housing projects.

The initiative arrives at a critical juncture. Victoria, for example, is facing a potential shortfall of funding for approximately 770 social and affordable homes despite submitting plans for 8,450 residences in the first HAFF funding round, as revealed in analysis by Polis Partners and the Community Housing Industry Association Victoria (CHIA Vic) . This underscores the importance of maximizing available funding opportunities and fostering collaboration between all levels of government.

Understanding the Housing Australia Future Fund

The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) was established in May 2024 with a $10 billion allocation to address the growing housing crisis across Australia . The fund aims to deliver 30,000 new social and affordable homes, with a focus on increasing housing supply and reducing housing stress for low- and moderate-income Australians. The HAFF operates through a combination of direct investment, grants to states and territories, and partnerships with community housing providers.

Yet, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of funding to meet the escalating demand. Analysis suggests that the initial funding rounds may not be sufficient to support all submitted projects, leading to calls for increased investment from both the federal and state governments. CHIA Vic, for instance, has urged the Victorian government to “pick up the slack” in the face of a potential shortfall . The Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) notes that demand for social and affordable housing is at an all-time high .

Webinar Details and Focus

The upcoming webinar is designed as a “working session,” emphasizing practical application over high-level theory. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of what constitutes a strong local government proposition for HAFF funding, and how councils can best position themselves to secure support for their affordable housing initiatives. The session will cover key areas such as land availability, partnership opportunities, planning regulations, and the development of essential infrastructure.

Polis Partners, a firm involved in the analysis of HAFF funding gaps, will present the “Guide for Local Councils,” offering a roadmap for successful affordable housing delivery. The guide draws on real-world case studies, providing practical examples and lessons learned from councils already actively engaged in the sector. This resource aims to empower local governments to accept a proactive role in addressing the housing crisis within their communities.

The webinar is particularly timely given the broader economic context. Australia is currently experiencing a cost-of-living crisis, with housing affordability emerging as a central concern . This crisis is impacting a wide range of Australians, including professionals who traditionally would not have struggled with housing costs.

As local governments grapple with increasing demands for affordable housing, initiatives like the HAFF and resources like the “Guide for Local Councils” offer crucial support. The webinar represents a key opportunity for councils to enhance their understanding of the funding landscape and develop effective strategies for addressing the housing needs of their communities. The next procedural step will be the application process for HAFF Round 3, with details to be outlined during the webinar.

What are your local council’s priorities for affordable housing? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with colleagues and stakeholders involved in housing policy and development.

Raleigh, NC – A broad coalition of parents, educators, and over 50 North Carolina organizations are pressing for full implementation of the Comprehensive Leandro Plan, a court-ordered framework designed to adequately fund the state’s public school system. The push comes amid ongoing disputes over funding allocations and concerns that years of inaction are jeopardizing educational opportunities for students across the state.

The core of the dispute centers around the decades-long Leandro v. State of North Carolina case, initially filed in 1994 by families in five rural counties – Hoke, Halifax, Robeson, Vance, and Cumberland – who argued their children were not receiving a “sound basic education” as guaranteed by the state constitution. The North Carolina Supreme Court agreed, repeatedly affirming that all children have a constitutional right to a quality education, but implementation of a funding solution has been stalled for years. The current focus is on the Comprehensive Remedial Plan, which outlines a roadmap for improvement.

Every Child NC and Progress NC spearheaded a press conference this week to highlight what they call a failure by both the state Supreme Court and the General Assembly to fulfill their constitutional obligations. Susana Benites Chafloque stated, “The case Leandro has been going on for more than 30 years. Five rural families sued the state in 1994 because their children were not receiving an adequate basic education. The Supreme Court ruled in their favor and ordered the state to guarantee that education. Decades have passed and we are still waiting for them to comply.”

The Leandro Plan: A Multi-Billion Dollar Investment

The Comprehensive Leandro Plan, spanning from 2021 to 2028, calls for over $5.6 billion in latest investment to ensure all students, from kindergarten through 12th grade, receive a solid foundation. Currently, approximately $2 billion remains unfunded, according to advocates. The plan details specific areas for improvement, including expansion of early childhood education, increased teacher salaries and retention efforts, and the hiring of additional counselors, psychologists, and support staff. It also prioritizes increased resources for students with disabilities and English language learners, as well as additional funding for rural and low-income communities. A 2021 summary of the plan prepared for the Commission on Access to Sound Basic Education affirms the fundamental right of every child to a sound basic education, as established by the 1997 Supreme Court decision in Leandro v. State of North Carolina.

The plan’s development was informed by extensive analysis and recommendations from the educational consulting firm WestEd, as noted by Matthew Ellinwood, director of North Carolina Justice Center, to Enlace Latino NC. He explained, “The state has been found in violation of the constitution for not providing adequate resources to school districts to allow them to offer every child the opportunity to receive a quality basic education.”

Legal Challenges and Ongoing Disputes

The path forward remains uncertain as the North Carolina Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on February 22nd in the latest round of the Leandro funding dispute, as reported by the Carolina Journal. The arguments will focus on whether a lower court judge had the authority to order hundreds of millions of dollars in new education spending. A previous court order, blocking $677 million in additional education expenses, is also under review. The case is officially known as Board of Education of Hoke County v. State, though it is commonly referred to as Leandro.

The current legal battle highlights a partisan divide within the court. Republican justices are questioning the lower court’s jurisdiction, while Democratic justices disagree with the framing of the case, preferring to use the “Leandro” designation. This disagreement underscores the political complexities surrounding the implementation of the plan.

What’s Next for Leandro?

The Supreme Court’s decision on the issue of jurisdiction will be pivotal. If the court rules the lower court lacked authority, it could significantly delay or derail the full implementation of the Leandro Plan. If jurisdiction is affirmed, the state will be compelled to address the remaining $2 billion in unfunded commitments. The outcome will have far-reaching consequences for North Carolina’s public education system and the opportunities available to its students.

As the court prepares to hear arguments, stakeholders on both sides are mobilizing to make their case. Advocates for full funding emphasize the constitutional right to a sound basic education, while legislative leaders raise concerns about budgetary constraints and the scope of judicial authority. The resolution of this long-standing legal battle will shape the future of education funding in North Carolina for years to arrive.

What are your thoughts on the Leandro Plan and its potential impact on North Carolina schools? Share your comments below and help spread the word about this important issue.