The 2026–27 ACT Budget delivers the most significant new investment in housing and homelessness in years — welcome funding for public and community housing, repairs and maintenance, and rental crisis support. But does it go far enough?
In this detailed analysis, ACT Shelter examines the Budget’s housing and homelessness measures through a housing justice lens — prioritising those on the social housing waitlist, in housing stress, or experiencing homelessness.
Our comprehensive analysis finds that while the Budget contains welcome new investment and represents a significant step forward, it does not yet change the long-term trajectory of housing stress, homelessness or the decline of social housing in the ACT. The report examines the Budget’s major housing measures, assesses them through a housing justice lens, highlights areas of strong progress, and identifies the policy gaps, funding questions and accountability issues that will need to be addressed if every Canberran is to have access to a safe, secure and affordable home.