Housing Minister Julie Collins has hailed the first meeting of a new advisory body as a big step towards tackling affordability.
The interim National Housing Supply and Affordability Council will meet in Sydney on Tuesday, as laws to set up a permanent, statutory council edge closer to passing parliament.
"It is critical that housing policy is informed by the very best advice, so today's meeting is a big step forward," Housing Minister Julie Collins said.
"The Albanese government will continue to listen to experts to ensure we are addressing Australia's significant housing challenges with the very best policy advice."
The government is seeking parliament's support for a $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund to provide a pipeline of funding for social and affordable housing in perpetuity.
Interim council chair Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz said housing affordability was one of the biggest challenges communities faced.
"Today's council meeting is an important step in discussing a clear and realistic plan to help improve access to housing and understanding how to efficiently unlock new housing supply where it is most needed," she said.
"This requires close collaboration with all levels of government and we look forward to working together to drive this plan forward over the coming months."
Other interim members of the council include Housing Choices Australia managing director Michael Lennon, economist Professor Rachel ViforJ, Women's and Girls' Emergency Centre chief Helen Waters Silvia, economist Dr Marcus Spiller and Urban Renewal Authority director David O'Loughlin.
Legislation to set up the council and fund has passed the lower house but has been referred to a Senate committee for inquiry and report by March 22.
While the coalition opposes the bills, Labor will need the Greens and two crossbenchers to pass them.
