The Federal Government’s response to my question today in Parliament regarding the housing crisis was underwhelming, to say the least.
Yes, the Government is bringing an improved focus to Australia’s desperate shortage of housing availability and affordability, which is to be applauded. But its policy platform is much too narrow and dodges the pressing need to extend the National Rental Affordability Scheme, increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance and revisit investment property tax reform.
Frankly, housing is not only a basic human right, but also an essential precursor for safety, health and economic security. Governments failing to do everything possible to provide it are letting us down terribly, and nowhere is this more acute than in Tasmania.
See video for full question and answer.