[Greens-Media] The cost of home ownership

[Manderson, Roland]

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ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey MEDIA RELEASE
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14 Sept 06


The cost of home ownership

Following the release of "They Want To Take Our House" by the ACT
Consumer Law Centre today, ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey argues that there
is a growing social cost to the idea that everyone should own their own
home, despite ballooning debt and an irresponsible competitive market.

"The research conducted by the Consumer Law Centre shows people are
getting caught out by aggressive mortgage providers and refinancers. It
might be good business practice for those providers, but it is clearly
hurting a lot of people" Dr Foskey said today.

"Pushing people into home ownership isn't always the best thing; and
Governments need to remember that public housing and other affordable
rental accommodation are an invaluable part of the housing mix" Dr
Foskey said today.

"Housing affordability isn't simply a question of price. It is as much
about people's ability to pay over the long term, and the charges and
penalties applied by lenders for defaulting.  It is safe and secure
affordable housing that we need to aim for." 

"I trust that the Chief Minister's Affordable Housing Steering Group
will take those factors into account and not simply work with the
ideologues of the free property market" Dr Foskey said.


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Roland Manderson   Media Advisor
ACT   Greens    MLA  Deb  Foskey  
Legislative Assembly for the ACT 
ph(02)62050551      m 0412241379
====== www.debfoskey.com ======= 
  
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