The Australian Democrats have responded to the release of the national Six Point Housing Statement calling for housing issues to be put on firmly on the political agenda.
"Affordable and accessible housing is an essential component of any policy aiming to address employment, family, community or welfare issues, yet it gets little attention from political parties," said the Australian Democrats Housing spokesperson, Senator Andrew Bartlett.
Senator Bartlett met today with a number of Brisbane inner-city housing workers over the national housing crisis, and confirmed the Democrat's support for the just released Six Point Housing Statement launched by an alliance of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), the Housing Industry Association (HIA), the National Churches Community Housing Network, the Community Housing Federation of Australia and National Shelter, in Canberra.
"The Australian Democrats congratulate the housing alliance on their plan. Not only have they brought this crisis to the community's attention, they have also provided a range of policy solutions which could be easily implemented if the political will existed," said Senator Bartlett.
"Many Australians are facing a housing affordability crisis. More than ¼ million of the nation's households spend more than 30% of their gross income on housing costs, putting their families under incredible financial and social pressure. But some would see these people as the fortunate ones.
"There are a growing number of Australians, many on low incomes and the disadvantaged, who are facing homelessness because they can't even afford to secure rental properties.
"Whether it is through rent hikes, price rises or lack of public and community housing stock, there are clearly more families unable to access or pay for housing in many parts of Australia. Only last month a National Research Consortium of housing groups produced data clearly showing that housing is becoming less affordable for many Australians," explained Senator Bartlett.
"The Democrats are soon to launch their housing policy, which advocates the continuance of the housing grant, but ensures that it is targeted at greater social and environmental outcomes," concluded Senator Bartlett.
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