Housing Problems
ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey pointed to Commonwealth tax law and misdirected public housing policy as key issues in the ACT’s housing crisis.
“Federal taxes and concessions are key drivers of the extraordinary growth in Australia’s housing prices” Dr Foskey said.
“The Productivity Commission, years ago, proposed a review of tax concessions, negative gearing provisions, and the first home buyer scheme for their impact on house prices. Then Treasurer Peter Costello refused to do so.”
“In seeking to address Housing Affordability issues, the new Labor Government should put its own house in order.”
“That is why the ACT Greens are calling for the ACT Chief Minister to press the Rudd Government to reassess all federal taxes, grants and concessions -including negative gearing, Capital Gains Tax exemptions, First Home Owners Grants, and rent assistance – with a view to increasing the supply of affordable rental accommodation across the country.”
“At a local level, the ACT Government has abandoned its commitment to a sustainable social mix in public housing, thereby increasing social tension and encouraging the stigmatisation of its residents.”
“The ACT Government has done no research on the impact of its new allocations policy, and so would appear to be flying blind.”
“The ACT Greens continue to call for an increase in the supply of public housing in order to maintain its economic and social viability” Dr Foskey said.
