[Greens-Media] Housing crisis hits hard

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Housing crisis hits hard

 "The Government must act now to halt Australia's housing crisis," said
Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"In the past decade the median house price in Australia has increased
from four times average incomes to six to seven times average incomes."

"Australia needs a national affordable housing plan, and it has to
happen now."

"We are supposedly in economic boom times, yet many Australians can not
afford to buy a home or even rent one. Young Australians are facing the
prospect of never owing their own homes," she said.

The Greens are calling for an urgent review of all taxes, grants and
concessions including negative gearing, Capital Gains Tax exemptions and
First Home Owners Grants to assess their impact on the housing market. 

"I remind the Government that this is a matter of urgency. A national,
affordable housing strategy needs to be developed involving all levels
of government."

"This is bad economic policy and ordinary Australians are not being
given a fair go," concluded Senator Siewert.

	           
For more information or comment call 
Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

RESCUE THE SENATE


Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia


Monday 17th September 2007