Housing Crisis

How is this affecting our Region?

• Local median house prices have increased 86% in the past decade while wages grew just 23%

• 42% of households in our electorate rent their homes, many facing insecure leases

• Our region has a social housing waitlist of over 3,500 households, with wait times exceeding 10 years

• Our region needs approximately 15,000 new homes over the next decade to meet demand

What can be done?

• Phase out tax concessions (e.g. negative gearing and capital gains tax discount) for property investors

• Support the establishment of a National Renters Protection Authority and National Tenancy Standards with incentives for states/territories to adopt them

• Increase investment in public and community housing with a meaningful funding commitment

• Expand federal incentives for state and territory-led reforms that increase housing supply

• Help first-home buyers enter the housing market with expanded shared equity programs (e.g. Help-to-Buy).

What would it look like for us?

For our community, these policies would deliver the construction of 3,500 new social and affordable homes over the next five years, providing secure housing for over 8,000 local families currently experiencing housing stress.

Rental costs would be reduced by 15% through increased supply and stronger tenant protections, giving relief to the 42% of households who rent in our electorate.

The local social housing waiting list would be cut in half within four years, while first home ownership rates would increase by 20% within five years.

Additionally, these housing initiatives would create 2,000 local construction jobs, supporting our regional economy while addressing one of our most pressing social challenges.

Three new community housing developments with integrated support services would be established, ensuring that vulnerable community members receive the comprehensive support they need.