Housing Minister Clare O'Neil's promise to slash red tape in home building risks handing our urban environments to property developers whose only concern is profit, according to Australian Greens Housing spokesperson, Senator Barbara Pocock.
O'Neil said last week that detailed planning regulations and construction codes are creating barriers for builders and that she wants to meet with the states to talk about how to dismantle these. Senator Pocock acknowledges the need for a careful review of planning processes but says Labor needs to include action on unlimited rent increases in its discussions with the states.
As stated by Senator Barbara Pocock:
"The Minister's announcement that she will intervene in state housing regulation - something Labor have long argued is impossible when opposing rent caps, reveals Labor's refusal to stop unlimited rent increases is an ongoing choice. They could stop them if they want to.
"Either Labor was misleading renters when they claimed to be unable to work with the states to freeze and cap rents, or they are trying to pass the buck on missing housing targets now. They can't have it both ways."
"We need more housing built more quickly but what we don't want is poor quality housing in bad locations. I acknowledge there is a dire need to lift productivity in the housing sector and reframing regulation will help achieve this, but we must be very careful undertaking reforms in this area to avoid greenlighting shoddy developers who will deliver substandard dwellings in inappropriate settings.
"Many of these regulations are in place to protect consumers, protect the environment and make our urban areas more liveable. We can't afford to lower our standards on safety and sustainability as we try to improve efficiency.
"The housing minister is keen to exert pressure on the states to change planning regulations. However, when we Greens call for restrictions on rents she declares rents are a matter for the states. With a national crisis affecting millions of renters, it's time for some consistency. I am calling on Clare O'Neil to commit to including rent controls in her discussions with state and territory governments.
"The housing crisis in Australia can't be solved simply by increasing supply. We also need to dampen demand especially from wealthy property investors. Changing the way capital gains tax and negative gearing work in the housing market is also essential to clear the way for first home buyers.
"These tax breaks make home ownership unaffordable for too many Australians and turbo charge intergenerational inequality. We need action on housing, but we need the right set of policy solutions to ensure equity and liveability in our urban environments."
