Page 2226 - Week 06 - Thursday, 6 June 2019
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MS BERRY: This is a question that goes to the state of the market in the ACT, where there are more people with means to pay more to purchase a home. Unfortunately, for people on low incomes, that means their rent goes up because the market value of the home that they rent goes up. That is not a problem that is unique to the ACT; it is a problem that the whole country is grappling with around affordable housing and how we work with the sector.
Mr Parton: A point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: A point of order, Mr Parton.
Mr Parton: It is on relevance. The question was about why the rents have increased in Canberra six times higher in terms of the percentage than nationally. I would ask the minister to be relevant and refer to Canberra rather than the national picture.
MADAM SPEAKER: I do not believe there is a point of order. The minister was referencing pricing of the market within Canberra. Minister, you have a minute to go more directly to that.
MS BERRY: That is right, and the market in Canberra has influenced that. Of course, population growth in the ACT has been significant as well, and that is probably one of the primary reasons for the increase in the price of homes and therefore rent for low income earners.
For the ACT government, working with community housing organisations, making sure that we provide, through our indicative land release program, affordable housing, having an affordable housing purchase database where people can apply for affordable housing, and having stamp duty not existing any more for first home buyers from 1 July will make a difference to people being able to get into a home of their own. And there is the government’s significant investment in public housing.
MR PARTON: Minister, are you aware that earlier this year Canberra overtook Sydney as the most expensive place to rent a house in Australia, and the second most expensive place to rent a unit? Why is this?
MS BERRY: I responded to the second question in my answer to the first question, on the reasons why rents and house prices in the ACT are high. It is an issue that the whole country is grappling with. Population growth has played a significant role.
MRS KIKKERT: Minister, how will increasing residential rates affect the cost of renting in Canberra?
MS BERRY: I refer to the Chief Minister’s many responses about changes to our taxes and rates in the ACT. More people will be able to get into homes of their own after 1 July, particularly first home buyers. This will make a huge difference, with more people being able to buy a home of their own and perhaps get out of the private rental market.
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