Canberra public housing vacancy crisis as 588 homes sit empty

At the end of June, 588 public‑housing homes in the Australian Capital Territory were vacant, including 188 ready for new tenants. Housing ACT explained that many of the empty units are in the repair cycle: 285 are undergoing upgrades, 57 await decisions on their future, 43 are earmarked for sale or redevelopment and 15 newly completed homes are waiting for final handover.

The issue was raised during a parliamentary hearing where independent MLA Thomas Emerson questioned Housing ACT officials about the backlog and the length of time homes remain vacant. New Housing Minister Suzanne Orr, appointed after a recent cabinet reshuffle, faced scrutiny alongside executive manager Brooke Yates, who said the vacancy figures reflect the churn of properties being maintained and re‑let rather than idle stock.

Opposition members cited Productivity Commission data showing almost one‑third of the Territory’s public‑housing stock falls below acceptable standards, the second‑highest proportion in Australia.