Redacted minutes from Housing Australia, the federal agency overseeing Labor's $10 billion affordable housing program, have revealed high staff stress and even concerns over the quality of office chairs during marathon board meetings.
The documents, obtained by local media, show that former chairwoman Carol Austin called for "lumbar supporting (grey) chairs" to ease physical strain on board members as they tackled long sessions, including updates on high staff turnover.
The minutes shed light on internal turmoil as the agency raced to deliver Labor's flagship housing policy, aimed at producing 40,000 social and affordable homes.
By late last year, only 10% of funding had been finalised, almost two years after the first tender round.
High pressure to meet deadlines contributed to a quarter of staff leaving and six of the top eight executives departing since Austin's appointment.
Austin herself resigned in October amid allegations of bullying, which she denied, halfway through her five-year term.
Board discussions also highlighted concern for staff wellbeing, including mental health and psychosocial risk, and initiatives to "work smarter, not harder," such as improved technology use.
The minutes further show attention to physical safety, with board members asking whether defibrillators were available in offices and staff trained to use them.
Housing Australia has yet to appoint a permanent chair, with Damien Tangey acting in the role.
Labor has recently strengthened the board with appointments, including former Queensland public servant Ken Smith and community housing leader Haleh Homaei.