Australia is facing one of the most significant housing challenges in its modern history. Across the country, too many people are struggling to access housing that is safe, secure, affordable and appropriate to their needs, while rising housing costs, rental stress, housing insecurity and homelessness continue to affect individuals, families and communities.
In response, National Shelter is pleased to launch our new National Policy & Advocacy Framework 2026-2028.
The Framework sets out the priorities that will guide our advocacy over the next three years and provides a clear agenda for addressing the interconnected challenges of housing affordability, housing supply, rental insecurity and homelessness.
Developed in partnership with State and Territory Shelter organisations, national member bodies and key stakeholders, the Framework reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, housing justice and long-term system reform.
The Framework focuses on four key reform priorities:
- Demonstrably growing public, social, affordable and specialist housing (including Supportive Housing)
- Reforming renting and strengthening housing security
- Planning and shaping better cities and communities
- Expanding housing choice and opportunity, for people living in Australia, at every life stage.
At the heart of this work is a simple vision: every person in Australia should have access to a safe, secure, affordable, accessible and appropriate home.
While this is a high-level public document, beneath it lies a detailed, highly tactical body of work that will shape our advocacy, engagement, and policy efforts in the years ahead. Much of this work will be undertaken constructively, guided by evidence and informed by lived experience. We will continue to work alongside governments, researchers, industry, community organisations and coalition partners across a range of activities because lasting housing reform requires collaboration.
A huge thank you to the Shelter Network, our members, partners, and everyone who contributed their ideas, expertise, and time to help build this approach and sharpen its focus.
As Australia’s independent national peak body for housing advocacy, National Shelter will continue to champion practical, evidence-informed reforms that improve affordability, security and equity, while amplifying the voices of tenants and people with lived experience.
We invite you to read the Framework and share your views through the short survey below. Your feedback will help inform our advocacy and ensure we continue to represent the priorities of our members, partners and supporters.
Jackson Hills
Chief Executive Officer, National Shelter. 17 August 2026