“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the Chief Minister, Eva Lawler, announcement this morning that if elected the government will establish a dedicated department of housing in the territory,” Executive Director Northern Territory, Luis Espinoza said today.
Wednesday, 31st July 2024
The sentiment was also backed up by the Opposition leader, Lia Finocchiaro, in a letter responding to HIA’s election imperatives for the upcoming August elections.
The opposition has ensured that they are in “alignment with HIA on the key issues relating to home ownership, building a stronger workforce, safety, cutting red tape and upskilling”
“HIA has long advocated to have a one-stop shop housing department being established that focusses on delivery of more homes across the Northern Territory and the coordination of all relevant building and planning policies for the Territory.”
“This is one of the main imperatives HIA has laid out in our 2024 election manifesto, and the fact the government has listened is great news,” said Mr Espinoza.
“According to today’s announcement ‘Territory Homes’ will cover housing and planning as well as private house approvals.”
“Housing is such an important issue with many complex elements that need to be co-ordinated appropriately.”
“The Northern Territory deserves its own stand-alone department, HIA would urge all other parties running in this election to match the governments promise.”
“With home building in the Territory at decade lows, all sides of politics must pull out all stops to get the housing in the territory moving in the right direction.
This includes the recently announced boost to new home grants, coupled with making sure that home building is properly supported, and all government resources being centralised in order to support home builders do their important work.”
HIA would like to see the opposition follow through with a similar approach to setting up a one stop shop Housing department with the aim to cut red tape and create efficient processes and decision making.
“The HIA is ready to provide any support or advice should this promised department be established,” concluded Mr Espinoza.
For more information please contact:
Luis Espinoza
Executive Director – Northern Territory