Questions over lack of housing affordability measures in Federal Budget
A LACK of action on housing affordability in the 2018 Federal Budget has drawn heavy criticism.
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A LACK of action on housing affordability in the 2018 Federal Budget has drawn heavy criticism from stakeholder groups across the country.
TasCOSS chief executive Kym Goodes said there was nothing in the Budget that would help Tasmanians deal with the most pressing issue facing the state — the housing crisis.
“Having a roof over your head is one of the biggest challenges for all Tasmanians, whether you are rich or poor, earning an income or looking for a job,” Ms Goodes said.
“There is nothing in the Budget for Tasmanians for the biggest challenge we are currently facing.
“A Federal Government that was listening would prepare a Budget that at least acknowledges the lack of supply and affordability issues that have caused this crisis.”
Ms Goodes also hit out at the Commonwealth’s decision to implement tax cuts while thousands of Tasmanian children continue to live below the poverty line.
“We don’t understand why these children are not a priority for the Federal Government,” she said.
“Treasurer Scott Morrison’s Budget indicates the Federal Government is content to let life be one of just barely getting by for the nearly 30,000 Tasmanian children living in poverty.”
The criticism comes as state Housing Minister Roger Jaensch said the State Government had made it “perfectly clear” on numerous occasions that Tasmania wants the public housing debt it owes the Commonwealth waived.
Repayments cost the state about $15 million a year.
Mr Jaensch said those discussions were continuing.
Nationally, the Real Estate Institute of Australia, Community Housing Industry Association, Everybody’s Home campaign, and Ernst and Young’s real estate division all criticised the lack of Federal Government action in the affordable housing sector.
MORE: BRICKBATS AND BOUQUETS FOR BUDGET
National Shelter said the Federal Government showed a lack of long-term commitment to affordable housing in its 2018 Budget, and that the Budget had been an opportunity lost.
National Shelter has called on the Federal Government to implement a national housing strategy, which has been backed by Shelter Tasmania.
Mr Jaensch said the Budget provided certainty for $132 million over the forward estimates for housing and homelessness in Tasmania.
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