A PLAN to tackle the state’s housing crisis has been announced by the NSW Government, with a reform bringing key stakeholder groups and government departments together under one banner.

The new agency, Homes NSW, will bring together the housing and homelessness services of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) and the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO).

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the creation of a single agency to manage social and affordable housing and homelessness services is a “common sense approach”.

Homes NSW will be tasked with turbocharging the construction, maintenance and repair of social and affordable homes across the state.

It is hoped the reform will simplify tenancy services, provide important homelessness services, and drive collaboration between State and Federal Governments, sector experts, peak bodies, local councils, and community housing providers.

“We need safe, good quality, accessible homes for people who need them most,” Ms Jackson said.

“Homes NSW is a crucial part of this work.

“Adequate housing is a basic human right and Homes NSW will be the driver of much needed and long overdue reform to the social and affordable housing sector.

“For too long, social housing in this state has been neglected – simple issues such as a leaking tap or even the ability to register on the waitlist have been unnecessarily complicated.

‘’That’s why this overhaul is needed.”

Homes NSW Chief Executive Rebecca Pinkstone said the aim is to create the “best social housing system in the country”.

“I look forward to the challenge of building a thriving social and affordable housing sector in NSW,” she said.

“We will work in partnership to maximise homes on the ground, reduce instances of homelessness and deliver a quality housing service for our residents.”