Housing Australia (Acting Chair) Appointment (No. 1) 2025

Overview

The Housing Australia (Acting Chair) Appointment (No. 1) 2025I was enacted by Clare O’Neil, the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Cities, under subsection 21(1) of the Housing Australia Act 2018 and subsection 33A(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. This notifiable instrument addresses the temporary need for an acting Chair of the Housing Australia Board during a period of vacancy or absence. It ensures continuity and stability in the administration of housing-related policies and initiatives. The policy objective is to maintain effective governance and decision-making within the Housing Australia Board by appointing a qualified individual to temporarily fill the role of the Chair.

Scope and Application

The Housing Australia (Acting Chair) Appointment (No. 1) 2025I applies specifically to the appointment of Damien Tangey as the acting Chair of the Housing Australia Board on a part-time basis for the period commencing on 27 November 2025 and concluding on 26 February 2026. This appointment is made under the authority conferred by subsection 21(1) of the Housing Australia Act 2018 and subsection 33A(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 by Clare O'Neil, who holds the positions of Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Cities. The remuneration and allowances for this acting role are set to be the same as those applicable to the Chair of the Housing Australia Board during the same period. The appointment pertains to the Commonwealth jurisdiction, and while the legislation does not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions, it is intended to ensure the continuity of the board's operations during the specified interim period. The application of this notifiable instrument may be extended or refined through subordinate instruments, thereby providing additional detail or specific operational guidelines.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Housing Australia (Acting Chair) Appointment (No. 1) 2025I involve the appointment of Damien Tangey as the acting Chair of the Housing Australia Board (section 1(a)) and the determination of his remuneration and allowances (section 1(b)). This appointment is to be on a part-time basis, starting from 27 November 2025 and ending on 26 February 2026. During this period, Tangey's remuneration and allowances will be equivalent to those applicable to the Chair of the Housing Australia Board. This notifiable instrument is grounded in the authority provided by subsection 21(1) of the Housing Australia Act 2018 and subsection 33A(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. The Act imposes specific obligations on the parties involved. For Damien Tangey, the acting Chair, the primary obligation is to perform his duties in accordance with the terms set out in the appointment (section 1). This includes ensuring that his actions and decisions align with the objectives and policies of the Housing Australia Board. Additionally, Clare O’Neil, as the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, and Minister for Cities, must ensure that the terms of the appointment are adhered to and that Tangey is provided with the necessary support and resources to carry out his role effectively. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences mentioned in this particular notifiable instrument. However, any breach of the terms of appointment could potentially lead to disciplinary actions or termination of the acting appointment, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. It is worth noting that the Act does not detail specific penalties in this context, but general legal consequences for non-compliance with statutory requirements could apply.