RUDD STEERING DEBATE ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Queensland Housing Minister Robert Schwarten said today that the housing affordability discussion paper released by Federal Labor Leader Kevin Rudd was the best news in ten years of Howard Housing neglect.

“For the first time in nearly a decade we have some ideas and vision to drive housing affordability at a national level,” he said.

“Mr Howard and Mr Costello have continued to turn their backs on the real battlers — Australians who are struggling to get a roof over their heads.

“Every year we have seen funding slashed from the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement (CSHA) with millions of dollars ripped out of Queensland.

“This year Mal Brough is refusing to even meet with Housing Ministers about future funding for public housing.”

Mr Schwarten said national leadership was imperative to deliver long-term structural changes to the housing sector in Australia.

“A Federal Labor Government’s plan to have a Housing Minister will ensure that housing will get the attention it deserves as it is the cornerstone of people’s lives,” he said.

“Without secure housing your ability to gain employment or education and health care fall dramatically.”

“Ideas presented today like the Residential Infrastructure Fund, the new savings accounts for first home buyers, the loans for social housing providers, low income housing tax credits and proposals to reform rent assistance show what a forward thinking Federal Government can do, and that is what we need in Australia.”

Mr Schwarten said he looked forward to working with a Federal Labor Government to deliver real solutions to the housing crisis, including for renters, as the Howard Government thinks that housing is nothing to do with them.

“The Federal Government that has become arrogant and out-of-touch with average Queenslanders that are struggling in private rental and ownership markets and those struggling on housing wait lists."

“At the moment the Federal Government treats the States with contempt when it comes to any form of housing and believes the private market is the solution to all problems.”

“Queensland already outspends the Federal Government on housing, which was never the case under a Federal Labor Government,” he said.

Mr Schwarten said Queensland last year made an offer to the Commonwealth to provide capital funding for private housing in the form of HomeLink.

“This historic, generous and sincere offer has not even warranted a reply from the Commonwealth,” he said.

“However Federal Labor are taking a good look at the proposal, which is very pleasing.”

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