I am advised:

The NSW Government is committed to providing safe and affordable housing to our most vulnerable citizens via its Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW.

Future Directions is a ten year strategy to drive better outcomes for social housing tenants and is underpinned by three strategic priorities: more social housing; more opportunities, support and incentives to avoid and/or leave social housing; and a better social housing experience.

I am advised that as of 30 June 2020 there were 161 priority applicants and 2,455 general applicant households on the NSW Housing waitlist across the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Maitland allocation zones . This information is publicly available and can be accessed at:

https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/applying-assistance/expected-waiting-times

I am further advised that to date a total of 58 new dwellings have been delivered in Wallsend under the Social and Affordable Housing Fund program, an initiative of Future Directions. The program provides access to social and affordable homes together with coordinated access to tailored support services that empower people to improve their lives and achieve greater security and independence.

Clients in Wallsend who have a priority need may be eligible for a private rental subsidy such as Rent Choice while they wait for an offer of social housing.

Rent Choice provides a time limited rental subsidy which is tapered over time to enable people to improve their circumstances and sustain private rental housing. I am further advised that 85 per cent of households exit Rent Choice without returning for housing assistance 12 months later, helping to reduce the waiting list for social housing.