What jobs or housing programs are you going to cut Mr Stevens?

Minister for Housing Robert Schwarten today challenged his opposite number Ray Stevens to nominate which housing projects or programs he will abolish.

“Lawrence Springborg has told everyone that every department will have to sacrifice three per cent of its budget so its up to Mr Stevens to tell us what will go,” Mr Schwarten said.

“A recent review of the Department of Housing indicated it was a lean and mean organisation.

“There is no fat to trim so three per cent will cut into the bone.”

Mr Schwarten said three per cent of the current budget would mean more than $22 million would be lost from the department.

“That means you get rid of six projects like the one I announced in Toowoomba yesterday comprising 23 one-bedroom apartments.

“That equates to around 150 construction worker jobs, so on both fronts it’s a disgrace.”

Mr Schwarten said the $14.5 million Home Assist Secure Program would most likely be in the National Party’s sights.

“We know that last time the National’s were in power they ripped $300 million out of housing funds so they have form when it comes to attacking the vulnerable with budget cuts.

“It’s a safe bet the Home Assist Secure Program which aims to keep the elderly and vulnerable in their own homes will get the chop.

“However, let’s not speculate, let’s have some honesty and transparency.

“I ask Mr Stevens to nominate where he will find more than $22 million out of the housing budget to give his master so he can fund his irresponsible and unfunded promises.”

Mr Schwarten said every region in Queensland needed more housing.

“We are spending $4.5 million in Queensland on housing every day and it’s clear that Mr Springborg thinks this is too much.

“It does not matter if you are in Cairns, Coolangatta or Mount Isa or some place in between there will be less funds to house people and fewer building jobs to go around,” he said.

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