[Greens-Media] Housing Problems

[Manderson, Roland]

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ACT GREENS MLA DEB FOSKEY MEDIA RELEASE
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21 Feb 2008



Housing Problems

ACT Greens MLA Deb Foskey pointed to Commonwealth tax law and
misdirected public housing policy as key issues in the ACT's housing
crisis.

"Federal taxes and concessions are key drivers of the extraordinary
growth in Australia's housing prices" Dr Foskey said.

"The Productivity Commission, years ago, proposed a review of tax
concessions, negative gearing provisions, and the first home buyer
scheme for their impact on house prices. Then Treasurer Peter Costello
refused to do so."

"In seeking to address Housing Affordability issues, the new Labor
Government should put its own house in order."

"That is why the ACT Greens are calling for the ACT Chief Minister to
press the Rudd Government to reassess all federal taxes, grants and
concessions -including negative gearing, Capital Gains Tax exemptions,
First Home Owners Grants, and rent assistance - with a view to
increasing the supply of affordable rental accommodation across the
country."

"At a local level, the ACT Government has abandoned its commitment to a
sustainable social mix in public housing, thereby increasing social
tension and encouraging the stigmatisation of its residents."

"The ACT Government has done no research on the impact of its new
allocations policy, and so would appear to be flying blind."

"The ACT Greens continue to call for an increase in the supply of public
housing in order to maintain its economic and social viability" 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.act.greens.org.au ===== 
  
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