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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

New Government must put housing as first order of business

Media release

New Government must put housing as first order of business

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) calls on the newly elected Federal Government to make housing a first-order priority from day one, any delay or political grandstanding will only deepen the nation’s housing crisis,” HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said today.

“HIA would like to congratulate the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and the ALP for securing its term of government and it looks forward to constructively working with them in the new parliament.

“We additionally would like to thank Peter Dutton for his two decades of service to the Australian parliament and equally to Michael Sukkar, who has been a key housing advocate in both government and opposition.
“Access to a home — whether to rent or own — is becoming unattainable for too many Australians. This is a challenge that demands a major response in the first days and weeks of the new term of government.

“HIA has been clear throughout the election campaign that all sides of politics must provide bold and courageous leadership to deliver on the nations critical housing shortages and meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes.

“The industry has laid out the plan — through HIA’s Let’s Build agenda — to fast-track planning, unlock land, invest in infrastructure, and build the skilled workforce needed to deliver the homes Australia needs,” said Ms Martin.

“Too often, we see housing policy used as a platform to showboat rather than solve real problems. Australians want practical and meaningful reform. Holding housing legislation hostage to political theatre only pushes the dream of home ownership further out of reach.

Ms Martin also pushed back against any suggestion that the housing crisis lies outside the Federal Government’s remit.

“We’ve heard it too often — that housing and planning is a state issue, or that the Commonwealth has limited levers to pull. That excuse simply doesn’t stack up anymore.

“The Federal Government has the influence, the resources and the leadership role to bring all levels of government together. It can drive the coordinated policy, funding and reform needed to  move the dial on supply and affordability — not just tinker at the edges.

“This was reinforced in yesterday’s election results and with voters outlining housing as a key issue to be addressed as a matter of priority. We urge the new Government and the entire Parliament to work together to implement the solutions already on the table.

“Housing Australians must not become a casualty of politics-as-usual. We can’t afford more years of delay and stalling of key policies being implemented - we need action within weeks not years,” concluded Ms Martin.

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
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