The bill, brought forward by Senator David Pocock, proposes a framework for a national, long-term approach to housing affordability and homelessness. The objects of the bill centre on facilitating a human rights-based approach to housing, supporting improved housing outcomes for Australians and the progressive realisation of Indigenous self-determination in housing policy. 

The report provides context surrounding the bill's introduction, including the growing challenges of housing affordability and homelessness in Australia. The report also summarises stakeholder feedback on the bill, noting strong support for a legislated national plan and concerns about the lack of a long-term approach to housing policy in Australia.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• a requirement for the National Housing and Homelessness Plan (NHHP) to be developed in collaboration with independent experts and people with experience of housing insecurity;
• the establishment of a National Housing Consumer Council to provide advice on the NHHP from the perspective of a range of consumers; and
• the establishment of a National Housing and Homelessness Advocate to monitor the NHHP and undertake reviews into systemic housing issues.

Recommendations

• The committee recommends against passing the bill, saying it would duplicate existing work and create unnecessary bureaucracy. 
• The committee recommends that the senate’s most important housing priority should be to pass Build to Rent and Help to Buy bills.
• In a dissenting report, Senator David Pocock, recommends that the bill be passed, with amendments to strengthen the role of state and territory governments and clarify the representation of various groups on the Consumer Council.
• The dissent also notes that 80 of the 81 submissions are overwhelmingly supportive of the proposal to legislate a Commonwealth-led national plan for housing.