Access to information

Information Publication Scheme

Information Publication Scheme Logo

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) establishes an Information Publication Scheme (IPS) for Australian Government agencies subject to the FOI Act. The IPS provides a framework for pro-active publication of information by agencies and gives effect to the objects of the FOI Act. This includes recognition that information held by the Government is to be managed for public purposes and is a national resource.

The IPS requires agencies subject to the FOI Act to publish certain information. The IPS also requires that agencies publish an IPS plan that explains how they intend to implement and administer the IPS. The IPS does not require agencies to publish material that is exempt under the FOI Act, or is prohibited from being released under other laws.

You can find out more about the Information Publication Scheme on the website of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner- external site or under Part II of the FOI Act - external site.

Housing Australia’s Information Holdings

Information required to be published under the IPS

  • Housing Australia's IPS Plan is available here.
  • Housing Australia is governed by an independent Board responsible for determining strategy, defining risk appetite, making financing decisions and monitoring performance. Information on Housing Australia’s Board is available here.
  • Housing Australia's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reports to the Housing Australia Board and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the organisation. The CEO is appointed under the Housing Australia Act 2018.
  • Housing Australia's leadership team comprises the CEO and nine direct reports overseeing key business areas. Information on Housing Australia’s organisational structure and Executive Leadership Team is available here. 

 

  • Housing Australia is the independent national housing agency. We work with the private sector, community housing providers and all levels of Government to facilitate and deliver programs that help more Australians to access social and affordable housing or to buy a home.
  • Housing Australia was established by the Australian Government under the Housing Australia Act 2018 (Housing Australia Act) and operates under an Investment Mandate set out by the Australian Government. Information on Housing Australia’s governance is available here.

Our Programs and priorities  

Housing Australia’s purpose is to improve housing outcomes by helping more Australians to access affordable, safe and secure housing. Housing Australia provides:

Other corporate planning, operational and strategic information including finances and lists  

  • Housing Australia produces an annual Corporate Plan which focuses on Housing Australia's business strategies and goals. Housing Australia’s Corporate Plans are available here.
  • Housing Australia produces an annual Social Bond Report which provides information on the use of proceeds from Housing Australia's social bonds, and is a key disclosure requirement under Housing Australia's Sustainability Bond Framework. Housing Australia’s Social Bond Reports are available here.
  • Annually Housing Australia produces a Modern Slavery Statement which sets out Housing Australia’s approach to modern slavery. Housing Australia’s Modern Slavery Statements are available here.
  • Housing Australia’s Portfolio Budget Statements are available as part of the annual Treasury Portfolio Budget Statement available on the Department of the Treasury website link.  

Housing Australia’s milestones  

A recap of Housing Australia’s key milestones since establishment in June 2018 is available here. Note, on 12 October 2023, the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) was renamed Housing Australia. All videos and images published prior to this date will refer to NHFIC. However, these references can now be read as references to Housing Australia.  

  • Every year Housing Australia produces an Annual Report which provides a detailed update of Housing Australia’s affairs from the last 12 months (including financial statements). Housing Australia’s Annual Reports are available here.  
  • Housing Australia’s has obligations under its Investment Mandate to disclose financing decisions under the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF), Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) and National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF). These disclosures are available here.
  • Housing Australia’s responses to the biannual Senate Order on Government Agency Contracts is available here.

Housing Australia’s Freedom of Information disclosure log is available here. The disclosure log does not include the following:

  • documents of a personal or commercially valuable nature released under FOI where publishing that information would be unreasonable
  • documents where access has been refused or which are exempt from release under FOI
  • documents released outside the FOI framework.

Documents published in response to Freedom of Information requests may include internal working papers. The views expressed in these documents should not be considered as representing Housing Australia’s views or advice to government.

Housing Australia is part of the Treasury Portfolio. As Housing Australia is a delivery agency and not policy agency, it is unlikely Housing Australia manages requirements regarding public consultation for policy proposals.

  • Information on how to make an FOI request to Housing Australia is available here.
  • Other enquiries can be directed to Housing Australia through the enquiry form on the Contact Us page. The Contact Us page also provides information on how lodge a complaint.

Housing Australia is committed to fulfilling the requirements and objectives of the IPS and will be proactive in considering other information it can publish under the IPS. This may include information on Housing Australia’s priorities, performance, policies and activities.