Ahead of the upcoming Federal Election, local candidates have shared their plans to secure affordable housing for La Trobe residents.
Labor Candidate for La Trobe Abi Kumar said the Federal Government should construct more housing supply to counter the current rental shortage.
“Labor will create the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund which will build 30,000 new social and affordable housing properties in its first five years, and create thousands of jobs,“ Mr Kumar said.
“In Scott Morrison’s budget, the Prime Minister and his government failed to include a single dollar for social and affordable housing.
“Labor will act – building new social and affordable housing which will directly support 21,500 full-time jobs across the construction industry and broader economy, per year, over five years, nationwide – and one in 10 direct workers on site will be apprentices.“
Greens candidate for La Trobe Michael Schilling said an estimated 2,230 new affordable homes were needed in Cardinia Shire alone.
“This critical shortage places a huge amount of stress on our local families, which then has a ripple effect impacting the ability to afford utilities and food,” Mr Schilling said.
“The Greens will push to establish a Federal Housing Trust, building one million new homes to ensure there is a home for all.
“We expect that as part of these plans, affordable homes will be built in the rapidly growing electorate of La Trobe, and bring along part of the 135,000 jobs created nationwide.”
Liberal candidate for La Trobe Jason Wood said his government was committed to ensuring housing was more affordable.
“10,000 First Home Loan Deposit Scheme places will be available to eligible first home buyers from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022,” Mr Wood said.
“The homebuilder scheme also made housing across La Trobe more affordable while supporting over 78,000 jobs in Victoria alone.
“Importantly, interest rates are always lower under a Liberal Government!“
He said single parents would be able to buy their own home with a deposit of only two per cent.
“We have extended the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme which allows people to borrow without having to take out mortgage insurance,” he said.
“As the Prime Minister said, ensuring that more renters can buy their own home and get the security of home ownership is essential.”
