ACT welcomes a fairer deal for renters and taxpayers

ACT has welcomed Budget 2026's social housing changes, saying they build on ACT’s work to restore fairness, responsibility, and better value for taxpayers.

"A household in social housing has on average $105 a week more left over after housing costs than a comparable family renting privately. Frankly, that is not fair," says ACT Housing spokesperson Cameron Luxton.

"Budget 2026 begins to close the gap. By moving the minimum tenant rent contribution to 30% of income, we are levelling the playing field. Crucially, the $387.5 million saved is being used for higher Accommodation Supplement rates. That means we are shifting support to low-income private renters who haven’t had the benefit of a state-owned house.

"Social housing should help people through a tough patch, not become an indefinite top-up. With Kāinga Ora tenants forecast to stay an average of 16.7 years, the system has acted more like lifestyle support than a safety net.

“Moving to defined tenancy durations and regular reviews will free up homes for families in greater need. A 10% increase in exits after five years would free up 6,000 places over a decade.

"These changes build on what ACT has already delivered to ensure a fairer deal in social housing.

“Under the previous government, decent neighbours were left to put up with intimidation because Kāinga Ora was effectively powerless. In 2022/23, just two tenancies were ended for anti-social behaviour.

"That has changed. ACT secured the removal of the Sustaining Tenancies Framework as a coalition commitment. Seventy-five tenancies were ended for disruptive behaviour in 2024/25, and 90% of tenants now feel safe in their homes.

"The social housing waitlist is down nearly 6,000 places since the election. At the same time, Kāinga Ora Turnaround has cut peak debt forecasts by $9.5 billion and delivered $211 million in operating savings under this Government. It’s proof of ACT’s view that with smart management, we can achieve more with less.”