Mission Australia welcomes the federal Treasurer's move to amend the charity and tax laws to allow charities to participate in the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).
The announcement means charities like Mission Australia won’t lose their charitable tax status by becoming involved in the scheme.
Mission Australia’s CEO, Mr Toby Hall, said community service charities had an integral role in the provision of affordable housing, particularly as a way to combat homelessness.
“Mission Australia has a been providing support to homeless people – and those at risk of homelessness – for close to 150 years. If we can prevent people from even being at risk of homelessness through providing a range of affordable housing, that has to be a good thing," Mr Hall said.
“Mission Australia’s current response to homelessness – like most other charities in the sector – is related to demand.
“But all too often we can’t find affordable housing for our clients, and without affordable housing, they remain at risk of homelessness or of descending further into crisis.
“The lack of affordable housing options for our clients significantly affects Mission Australia’s ability to make a lasting impact on the problems of homelessness
“With the National Rental Affordability Scheme – which aims to build 50,000 new rental properties across Australia in ten years – Mission Australia can make a substantial contribution.
“Our national reach, links with the property, development and finance industries – combined with our corporate services capacity – will assist us to make a real difference.
“There’s still a long way to go in this process but the government’s decision removes a major barrier to Mission Australia and other charities playing important roles in providing affordable housing – and helping end homelessness,” said Mr Hall.
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