Master Builders Australia today welcomes the re-introduction of the housing bills into the House of Representatives and urges all sides of Parliament to pass these bills without delay.
“The combination of the Housing Future Fund, the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, and Housing Australia embeds housing as a core infrastructure priority for the Federal Government,” says Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn.
“There is no silver bullet to the housing crisis, but the HAFF is a vital piece in the housing puzzle.”
“It’s one of ten measures to support better planning outcomes; more assistance for renters, homelessness support; and investment in social, affordable, first home buyer, key worker housing and housing for vulnerable people.
“Master Builders thanks Minister Collins’ for her ongoing collaboration with the industry and commitment to have this legislation pass.
“Passing this legislation is imperative to delivering the National Housing Accord target of one million new, well-located homes in the next five years.
“Every week this legislation is delayed means our target slips further out of reach.
“It’s critical that we address housing affordability and supply instead of prolonging action and allowing further deterioration in the market.
“We cannot afford to play politics with the lives of many Australians who are struggling to absorb the increases in the cost of living and housing costs.
“The data speaks for itself – new home building approvals fell by 7.7 per cent in June and higher-density home building approvals sunk by 21 per cent.
“The lack of housing supply is putting more pressure on the rental market with rental inflation hitting its highest rate in 14 years, which inevitably pushes more Australians towards social housing.
“We need to get as many low-cost rental premises into the market as possible and resist short-term band-aid solutions of rental interventions that do nothing to boost housing supply.
“We know the biggest handbrake on housing supply is making it easier for new projects to get the green light by kickstarting private investment and reducing development costs and delays.
“To improve housing affordability across the market, all levels of government must continue to work together to implement continuous land supply through rezoning and planning, and taxes on the development and buying process should be reduced,” said Ms Wawn.
Media contact: Dee Zegarac, National Director, Media & Public Affairs
0400 493 071 | dee.zegarac@masterbuilders.com.au