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Affordable housing campaigners are dismayed by the end of the National Rental Affordability Scheme, with no commitment to its future.
“The final round of funding, announced today, will provide much needed low-rent housing. Australia has a critical shortage of low-rent properties.” said Joel Pringle, Campaign Manager for Australians for Affordable Housing.
“What was missing from Minister Butler’s announcement was a future for the program. Have we seen the final commitment to new affordable housing from this Government?”
NSW Government cuts funding for affordable housing
The white paper into NSW planning system, released today, proposes to ban developer contributions for affordable housing, a key funding source used by a number NSW Councils to support low-income and vulnerable families in maintaining family and other supports in their local communities. Read more here.
Report on workers and housing stress released
A fulltime salary is not enough to guarantee affordable housing, according to a report released by Australians for Affordable Housing today. The report, launched by ACTU President Ged Kearney, shows that the housing crisis is hitting working Australians who traditionally would be looking at home ownership.
“Home-ownership rates have dropped, and first home-buyer numbers are in decline. This is no surprise, when people who are working can’t afford somewhere to live without going into housing stress.” said Joel Pringle, Campaign Manager for Australians for Affordable Housing. Continue reading »
Government living on yesterday’s promises, says affordable housing group
On Wednesday 6 March, the Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness, the Hon Mark Butler, launched the new Evolve Housing facility in Parramatta. In doing so, the Minister demonstrated the Government’s lack of commitment to address the housing crisis in coming years.
‘The Government needs to stop trumpeting old programs and spent money. The people of Western Sydney deserve to hear what Labor would offer if given another term of governing. There seems to be no plan for the future.’ said Joel Pringle, Campaign Manager for Australians for Affordable Housing. Continue reading »
Addressing national rental crisis must be Budget priority
Australians for Affordable Housing has today released their pre-budget submission, highlighting the increasing rental crisis and recommending that the Federal Government uses the Budget to provide relief from rental stress.
“The private rental market is not an affordable refuge from high house prices. For many it is a trap that they want to, but can’t, escape.” said Joel Pringle, Campaign Manager of Australians for Affordable Housing. Continue reading »
First home owners pushed out
Today’s Australian Bureau of Statistics release of housing finance data shows that first home buyers are being left behind in the housing market, according to Australians for Affordable Housing.
“The months leading into the end of 2012 saw a marked decline in the proportion of first home buyers, compared to other home sales. Recent falls in interest rates seem to have benefited investors, but have left first home buyers cold.” Said Joel Pringle, Campaign Manager for Australians for Affordable Housing