2019’s Federal election presents a golden opportunity for political parties across the spectrum to address the real problems facing the housing industry in 2019.
“Home ownership remains one of the most important aspiration for all Australians. It is critical that an incoming federal government recognises that many Australians move into home ownership through the private rental market,” said HIA Managing Director, Graham Wolfe at the launch of HIA’s Federal Election Policy Imperatives in Melbourne.
“Whether it’s through home ownership or the provision of private rental accommodation, Australia needs to maintain housing supply at around 200,000 new dwellings per annum, year on year.
“HIA calls on all sides of politics to commit to more consistent policy settings that support the delivery of housing that can continue to meet the underlying demand of Australia’s growing population.
“Research shows that 92 percent of all renters in Australia want to own their own home, but less than 50 percent think they will achieve this goal.
“Our industry is weighed down by increasing taxes and regulation, skills shortages, uncertainty in policy making and rising costs. These all contribute to making housing less affordable to rent or buy.
“Added to these problems is the fact that the Australian housing market is softening. Almost four years on, the housing market today is very different to the one that prevailed during the 2016 federal election.
“HIA’s federal election imperatives identify a ten point plan for our political leaders to adopt – a plan to secure a strong supply of affordable housing for first home buyers and renters.
HIA’s Election Imperatives highlight the need for a future federal government to:
- Make housing a priority;
- Improve access to housing finance for first home buyers;
- Reduce the upfront and hidden taxes on housing;
- Preserve genuine independent contracting as a way to do business;
- Protect investment settings to support the private rental market;
- Get serious about growing a skilled workforce for housing;
- Maintain strong immigration to underpin economic growth;
- Manage land supply and housing data;
- Support the delivery of infrastructure for growing cities; and
- Preserve affordability through housing codes.
“The housing industry built 1.7 million homes over the last decade, creating jobs for 1.1 million people and generating $105 billion in activity each year.
“A healthy housing industry underpins a healthy Australian economy. Any government that recognises this important fact will be working to support Australians achieve home ownership now and for years to come,” concluded Mr Wolfe.
Source: HIA