Gladys Berejiklian vows better housing affordability as Premier priority

PREMIER Gladys Berejiklian has promised to create a state where “every average hard working person” can own their own home, vowing to tackle housing affordability as her No.1 priority in office.

• Gladys Berejiklian unanimously elected NSW Premier

PREMIER Gladys Berejiklian has promised to create a state where “every average hard working person” can own their own home, vowing to tackle housing affordability as her No.1 priority in office.

The new NSW leader would, she said, “explore further options” on how to “support those getting into the market for the first time” in a sign that first homeowner concessions could be back on the agenda.

“That is the biggest issue people raise with me in Sydney; it’s the biggest concern people have across the state,” she said.

Gladys Berejiklian embraces her parents after her swearing-in ceremony at Government House. Picture: Toby Zerna

“Under my leadership, every community across the state will be better off and will get its fair share.”

In housing affordability, the 46-year-old former treasurer is set to address what could become a major election issue, conceding that there was “so much more to do”.

“I want to make sure that every average hard working person in this state can aspire to own their own home,” she said. “That is something I value … I have worked hard to do that and I want to make sure everybody else has that opportunity as well.”

When asked whether she would consider replacing stamp duty with a broadbased land tax, a proposal previously floated by her new Treasurer Dominic Perrottet when he was finance minister, Ms Berejiklian noted that was not her preference and pointed to the construction of more housing as the answer.

“I believe supply is the best way we can address housing affordability,” she said.

“We know as a government we have to do more.”

However, she also said: “I am someone who will listen and someone who has an open mind.”

The new Premier also indicated she would address council amalgamations and the prospect of cancelling mergers currently before the courts after Deputy Premier John Barilaro last week threw down the gauntlet over the issue.

Ms Berejiklian is sworn in as Premier by Governor Hurley at Government House. Picture: Toby Zerna

Art: Daily Telegraph

On lockout laws, Ms Berejiklian said she was “comfortable” with the government’s current position, while also declaring herself a “strong supporter” of Mr Baird’s stadiums policy.

Her comments on the latter come amid speculation in government that there could be a reversal of a decision to build a new stadium at Sydney Olympic Park given talk that costs have blown out far past the $750 million already mooted.

Sports Minister Stuart Ayres is understood to be keen to revive plans to rebuild Sydney Football Stadium that were knocked on the head by former premier Mike Baird.

Mr Perrottet yesterday did not rule out a change to the policy on the proposed privatisation of the Land and Property Information service, the proceeds of which are set to fund the stadiums policy.

Ms Berejiklian shakes hands with new Treasurer Dominic Perrottet after they were both unanimously elected. Picture: Toby Zerna

Ms Berejiklian stressed that her rise should not trigger an expectation that all previous Baird government decisions could be subject to review. “There are a number of things we can do better but I won’t say everything is up for grabs because it is not,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mr Perrottet said he was ready to serve as Treasurer, despite being just 34 years old. “I’ve served the best apprenticeship that anyone could serve, being minister for finance under Gladys Berejiklian and working closely with Mike Baird,” he said.

Ms Berejiklian also confidently batted away questions on whether the fact she had not started a family of her own might hurt her politically.

“I have been in public life for a long time. I have been a senior minister for six years. I am ready for anything,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Take me as you see me. Dominic Perrottet has made up for me, he has four kids. I am someone who has always been myself.

“Not all of us can plan how our life turns out. I am a very happy person. If you asked me 20 years ago would my life look like this ... it probably wouldn’t be how it looks like.

“But I am grateful for the opportunities I have had.

“I want to say again, not because I have to but because I want to, the closest people in my life are my family ... I am here to govern for everybody and I hope people judge me on my merits.”

Ms Berejiklian was sworn in yesterday with a full cabinet expected to be sworn in early next week.