Market not meeting needs

The Senate Economics References Committee handed down its report into affordable housing on Friday.

It recommends the phasing out of stamp duties in favour of more efficient taxes such as a broad based land tax levy, as well as the establishment of a ministerial council on housing and homelessness within the Council of Australian Governments.

The report also recommends more prominence be given to affordable renting to address the current "national rental affordability gap".

"The Australian government cannot vacate the affordable housing space or step back from its responsibilities to ensure that every Australian has access to affordable, safe and sustainable housing," it reads.

Greens senator Scott Ludlam said the report demonstrated that tools to deal with the "housing affordability crisis" were available.

"The committee is calling for the immediate re-establishment of a position of Minister for Housing and Homelessness, and for the federal government to develop and deliver a national housing affordability plan," he said.

"The committee has called for an inquiry into the costs and impacts of negative gearing, particularly on renters, including the option of phasing it out.

"The Abbott government should consider this as part of a sensible discussion of Australia's tax system."

Senator Ludlum said a highlight of the inquiry was the attendance of people experiencing homelessness, who were able to share their experiences directly with the committee.

"I am proud to see that their work and contribution have been recognised," he said.

"They want Centrelink to be a one stop shop assisting people experiencing the risks of homelessness with referral and in-house expertise to link people with services and housing," he said.

The committee had input from all major parties as well as independent senators Nick Xenophon and Jacqui Lambie.