Wednesday 4 May 2016

The Barr government needs to focus more on encouraging affordable housing in Canberra. Many Canberrans are being squeezed on housing costs, Shadow Minister for Housing Nicole Lawder said today.

“Today in the Assembly I’m moving a motion calling on the government to take action and address the issue of affordable housing,” Ms Lawder said.

“Specifically the motion calls for the government to:

. Fully implement measures in the Affordable Housing Action Plan to provide the capacity for houses in the “affordable” range. 

. Provide new affordable housing sector supply through private financing.

. Acknowledge that increasing supply is the only sustainable solution to the provision of market supplied affordable housing for purchase and rental markets. Increasing the housing supply/stock will ensure that supply can meet or exceed demand, therefore moderating price increases, leading to more affordable housing. 

. Guarantee loans to the Community Housing Provider (CHP) sector. 

. Remove barriers that prevent CHPs from recycling their assets. 

. Raise or guarantee affordable housing bonds.

 “There is a huge amount of evidence that housing affordability is an issue that affects many Canberrans.

“Everyday Canberrans already have to contend with a massive spike in fees and charges as a result of the current ACT Labor/Greens government; they shouldn’t be squeezed on housing as well,” Ms Lawder concluded.

Contact: Joe Prevedello 0402768432