What Officials, Experts, and Key Figures Are Saying About Duplicate Image Replacement

The ACT government's proposal to introduce duplicate image replacement policies has sparked a heated debate among officials, experts, and key figures in Canberra. At the heart of the discussion is the potential impact of these policies on the city's housing affordability crisis.

The issue of housing affordability is particularly pressing in Canberra, where the median house price has surpassed $1 million. The city's public servants, who make up a significant portion of the workforce, are finding it increasingly difficult to afford homes in suburbs like Gungahlin and Belconnen. The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Canberra (UC) are also feeling the pinch, as they struggle to attract and retain staff due to the high cost of living.

In the suburb of Dickson, for example, the median house price has increased by over 20% in the past year, making it even more challenging for first-home buyers to enter the market. The Canberra Raiders' proposed new stadium in the Civic precinct is also expected to put upward pressure on property prices in the surrounding areas, including Braddon and Turner. Meanwhile, organisations like the ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) and the Canberra Community Land Trust are working to provide affordable housing options for low-income earners.

Local Data and Evidence

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the number of first-home buyers in the ACT has decreased by 15% in the past year, with many citing unaffordability as the main reason. The ABS also reports that the median rent in Canberra has increased by 10% in the past 12 months, making it even more difficult for renters to save for a deposit. As of June 2026, the average price of a house in Canberra is $1.03 million, while the average price of a unit is $620,000.

As the ACT government considers the introduction of duplicate image replacement policies, officials and experts are urging caution. The government's own data suggests that these policies could lead to an increase in property prices, further exacerbating the affordability crisis. However, others argue that the policies could help to increase the supply of housing, particularly in areas like the Northbourne Avenue corridor, where high-density development is being encouraged.

So what happens next? The ACT government is expected to release a discussion paper on the proposed duplicate image replacement policies in the coming weeks, which will provide more detail on the potential impact on the local property market. In the meantime, officials, experts, and key figures will continue to weigh in on the debate, as Canberra residents wait with bated breath to see how the policies will affect their ability to afford a home in the city. The ACT Legislative Assembly's Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism will also be holding a public hearing on the issue, which will provide an opportunity for community members to have their say.