Schwarten welcomes Rudd Government’s stimulus package for housing

Queensland Public Works and Housing Minister Robert Schwarten today applauded the Rudd Government on the $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan which includes building 20,000 new social housing dwellings across Australia.

Mr Schwarten said in his 10-year perspective as Housing Minister this was the best news the battlers of Australia trying to find a place to rent had ever received.

“I congratulate the Rudd Government,” he said.

“This is a Labor Government which would rival the efforts of the Chifley Government in addressing housing shortages in Australia.

“It doesn’t get any better for Labor Government’s than to help those in need to put a roof over their heads and this announcement does just that.”

Mr Schwarten said as the Minister responsible for construction in Queensland the announcement by the Prime Minister also hit the nail on the head.

“The building industry dollar travels quickly through the community and can go around as much as seven times.

“Helping the poor of Australia to find sustainable rental accommodation and providing jobs in the building industry are both true Labor values.

“I congratulate this Labor Prime Minister and Treasurer, both Queenslanders, for the strength they’ve had in carrying this decision through and the foresight they’ve shown.

“They’ve put together what I believe is a remarkably economically sensible, sustainable and socially responsible outcome,” he said.

Media contact: 3237 1832