Greens blocking 12,000 homes amid housing crisis

The Greens’ rejection of Labor’s signature housing policy will prevent 12,000 new houses from being built in the next financial year and the creation of 36,000 jobs.

​The Green’s rejection of Labor’s signature housing policy will prevent 12,000 new houses from being built in the next financial year and the creation of 36,000 jobs, according to industry analysis.

The Greens’ rejection of Labor’s signature housing policy will prevent 12,000 houses being built in the next financial year and the creation of 36,000 jobs, according to industry analysis.

Amid Senate gridlock over Labor’s $10bn Housing Australia Future Fund, Community Housing Industry Association chief executive Wendy Hayhurst warned 25,000 vulnerable people were missing out on housing ­because of the Greens’ decision to delay debate on the bill to ­October.

The association said the passage of the bill – which would lead to the building of 30,000 social and affordable homes – would ­facilitate a “much needed” 10 per cent increase in the number of homes available for low-income families.

“Every day the bill is delayed is another day that thousands of vulnerable people are made to wait for a safe and affordable home,” Ms Hayhurst said.

“We know this legislation is not enough to fix the housing ­crisis, but it’s a foundation on which we can and must build.”

The Greens and the Coalition this month teamed up to delay debate on the bill to October 16 after the minor party said its ­demands for a federally co-ordinated rental freeze had not been met. The party has continually ­rejected the government’s offer to guarantee a minimum $500m investment to build new social and affordable homes each year, and demanded more funding for housing, including at least $2.5bn and a rent freeze.

Housing Minister Julie Collins said: “We’ve heard from those community housing providers who have had to pause projects, from the construction sector who need the jobs this fund would provide. They’re all calling for this legislation to be passed.”

But Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather said housing organisations should focus on pressuring Labor to implement rental caps and increase its housing spend.

“Instead of asking the Greens to leave behind millions of renters copping massive rent increases, these organisations should be using their political power to demand that Labor negotiate with the Greens to pass a plan that ­includes caps on rent increases and real direct investment in social housing every year,” Mr Chandler-Mather.

CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith urged the Greens to pass the bill, but warned Labor should be prepared for the union to campaign for more ambitious reforms in order to alleviate the “spiralling housing crisis”.

“The federal government shouldn’t mistake our support for the passage of the bill as a sign we’ll be silent on housing,” Mr Smith said.