Today’s reshuffle of the Federal Cabinet has delivered an early Christmas present for the housing sector with the appointment of a dedicated Minister for Housing.
The re-introduction of a Minister for Housing, which will include FAHCSIA and Treasury responsibilities, reflects the importance of housing and its impact on all Australians, said Caryn Kakas, Residential Development Council Executive Director.
“For over 12 months, housing has been spread between several Ministries. The industry has been a vocal proponent for the need for housing to be a key priority driven by one cabinet-level Minister.”
“Today’s appointment of Robert McClelland is a very welcome move and is an acknowledgement of the role housing plays as a centrepiece for Australian families’ security and wellbeing.”
"Core to the Minister’s new responsibilities will be delivering on the work that was committed to by COAG, and led by Treasurer Wayne Swan, which agreed to the development of a housing supply and affordability reform agenda.”
“This reform agenda must focus on the broader operation of the housing market and identify the appropriate role for governments in removing the underlying market barriers to delivery.”
“It is crucial that the barriers impacting the delivery of affordable housing be addressed. These include reforming the taxation system, eliminating unnecessary planning delays and ensuring the timely delivery of linking infrastructure and amenity to communities,” she said.
“The portfolio must secure commitment with State Governments if these barriers are to be addressed.”
“Housing should be the focal point for a system that clearly aligns long-term planning, infrastructure and the provision of both homes and jobs,” said Ms Kakas.
“We would like to thank the Treasurer and Ministers Tony Burke, Jenny Macklin and Mark Arbib for their work for the housing sector. We look forward to working with Minister McClelland to tackle the key issues facing the housing sector.
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Media Contacts:
Caryn Kakas, Executive Director, Residential Development Council on 0404 257 540 or ckakas@propertyoz.com.au; or
Emma Clark, PR & Communications Manager, Residential Development Council on
0428 950 866 or eclark@propertyoz.com.au
