On May 3, 2024, the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council of Australia presented its first annual report on the State of the Housing System to the Minister for Housing, as required by the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council Act 2023. The report acknowledges the housing journey of many people and highlights housing cooperatives as an emerging form of tenure, defining them as “a business that has shared ownership by its residents, where the goal is affordable housing rather than profit” (page 16).

This recognition of housing cooperatives as a tenure type is a significant breakthrough in Australia. The Housing Supply and Affordability Council, created by legislation to advise the Australian government, has identified housing cooperatives as a viable option. While there is still a long way to go in terms of access to land, finance, and resources for developing coops, this report is a step in the right direction.

The BCCM‘s unwavering dedication and rigorous efforts to promote the coop housing model in Australia are instrumental in this landmark achievement. The apex organization is now developing a 3–5 Year Affordable Housing Strategy to ensure the mutual sector has coherent strategies to influence housing policy further.

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