Page 882 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 21 March 2018

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(2) further notes:

(a) State and Territory governments are in negotiations with the Australian Government on a new National Housing and Homelessness Agreement;

(b) that housing affordability is influenced by a range of factors and policies at both the Territory and National levels;

(c) that the ACT Government is developing a new housing strategy and early measures such as the affordable home purchase database, the new innovation fund and targets for community housing will help make housing in the ACT more affordable, accessible and fairer; and

(d) that the ACT Government is also working with other jurisdictions to progress national reforms that will lower barriers to entry for home ownership and improve affordability for first home buyers; and

(3) calls on the Government to:

(a) continue to evaluate and build on current housing affordability measures;

(b) proactively respond to the community feedback arising from the consultation and housing summit last year to address housing affordability; and

Every Canberran deserves a place to call home. Currently, housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues we face in this country, and in our city. The dream of owning your own home is becoming increasingly out of reach for many Australians, particularly for our children and subsequent generations. Tackling this issue should be a priority for every state, territory and federal government.

While we endure a federal government that refuses to get tough on negative gearing and capital gains tax, and is happy to let wages stagnate and fall below inflation, I am proud to stand here today as a member of the ACT Labor government and reflect on the work we have done in this area, the reforms we are implementing and the work to be done.

The ACT is among the best performing jurisdictions on housing affordability, with a host of housing support and homelessness services and continued investment in the public and community housing sector helping to achieve these outcomes. Our Labor government is implementing policy to help to support Canberrans entering the property market. The broad goals of our government, which have been endorsed by the independent Affordable Housing Advisory Group, are: (1) increasing affordable home ownership; (2) increasing affordable rental housing; (3) strengthening social housing assistance; and (4) reducing homelessness.

How will this be achieved? Our government will play an active role in making it more affordable for first homebuyers and will provide a wider mix of housing to make it fairer for Canberrans. We know that to fix a demand-side problem we need a supply-side solution. We are committed to ensuring that Canberra remains a livable and affordable city.

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