C.O.S, social affairs, politics and housing reporters. Embargoed to 6am Tues Nov 24
Housing Australia Affordably
New national policy platform offers answers to
major national challenge.
One of Australia’s biggest challenges – affordable housing - will be tackled when
National Shelter, the peak community organisation representing low-income housing
consumers launches its national policy platform Housing Australia Affordably at the
Brotherhood of St Laurence in Melbourne, Tuesday November 24.
“There’s no greater challenge facing Australia,” says Adrian Pisarski, chair of National
Shelter and executive officer of Queensland Shelter. “We will have to continue the
commitment to bridging the gap between housing costs and financial reality.”
The platform demands a minimum of 220,000 new dwellings under affordable housing
programs by 2020 – double the current target. Other key recommendations include:
elevating the status of Federal Minister for Housing, currently occupied by The
Hon Tanya Plibersek, to Cabinet level;
creating a new national body the Residential Development Taskforce, chaired by
the Minister for Infrastructure for a better co-ordinated approach to urban and
regional planning, transport;
extending Public Benevolent Institution status to providers of affordable housing;
significant tax changes including removing the capital gains tax exemption on
higher-priced owner-occupied housing, tapering off negative gearing;
planned development of regional cities to help cope with Australia’s expected
population growth to incorporate low cost housing and supports.
“Affordable housing won’t happen by accident,” added Mr Pisarski. “It takes ideas,
policy, money and - most of all - action.”
Speakers at the launch include:
Clare Martin, CEO of Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS),
Tony Nicholson, Executive Director of Brotherhood of St Laurence,
Julian Disney, Chair of National Affordable Housing Summit Group
Where: Brotherhood of St Laurence, 67 Brunswick St, Fitzroy Vic 3065
When: Tuesday 24th November 2009, 9am - 10am
About us: National Shelter is the peak community organisation representing the policy
interests of low-income housing consumers, and has been in operation since 1976.
Media: Interviews and advance copies of platform available via Hootville
Communications’ Brett de Hoedt 0414 713 802.
NEWS 
