Housing makes it into election
With just one day left before the 2010 federal election the Coalition has announced a “Plan for Real Housing”.
Both the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and Housing Industry Association (HIA) have welcomed the release after criticising the major campaigning parties for failing to acknowledge housing throughout the election campaign.
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“The REIA supports the Coalition’s proposal to encourage states, territories and local government to release land, cut red tape, improve planning processes and reduce charges,” REIA president David Airey said yesterday.
Under the Coalition’s plans, states and territories would have to set targets for land release and dwelling approvals and would risk missing out on federal funding if targets were not met.
HIA’s chief executive Graham Wolfe said a cooperative approach between the different levels of government was an essential ingredient for delivering “long overdue improvements” in the supply of new housing but he stressed it would “take leadership and ownership of the components that inhibit supply”.
Mr Wolfe also emphasised the need for the government to establish a Federal Housing and Development Ministry, separate from social housing.
“Establishing a housing portfolio that has responsibility for coordinating Commonwealth, State/Territory and local government regulations and policies, and for cross portfolio collaboration… is a necessary ingredient for increasing housing supply and improving housing affordability.”
