❓ Mr. Bolt questions the Minister about the end of the National Rental Affordability Scheme and the potential impact on WA tenants. The Minister defends the government's record on affordable housing and criticizes the opposition's lack of policy.
AnsweredQoN 190Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
National Rental Affordability Scheme
190. Mr David Bolt to
the Minister for Housing and Works:
My question is to
the Minister for Housing and Works. He is very popular today.
I refer to the
federal government's decision to end the National Rental Affordability Scheme
on 30 June, which will see the tenants of about 1,538 Western Australian
subsidised properties face huge rent increases and possible homelessness.
(1) Why did the minister's office, when it
was contacted by concerned families, only acknowledge that the federal
government's decision will place low-income earners at risk and then handball
the issue to the Treasurer's office?
(2) Has the government considered
extending subsidies in some way to ensure that those tenants can keep a roof
over their heads and that more pressure is not added to our already
overstressed housing system?
190. Mr David Bolt to
the Minister for Housing and Works:
My question is to
the Minister for Housing and Works. He is very popular today.
I refer to the
federal government's decision to end the National Rental Affordability Scheme
on 30 June, which will see the tenants of about 1,538 Western Australian
subsidised properties face huge rent increases and possible homelessness.
(1) Why did the minister's office, when it
was contacted by concerned families, only acknowledge that the federal
government's decision will place low-income earners at risk and then handball
the issue to the Treasurer's office?
(2) Has the government considered
extending subsidies in some way to ensure that those tenants can keep a roof
over their heads and that more pressure is not added to our already
overstressed housing system?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) I wish to remind people about this scheme.
It was a Liberal Party and National Party scheme that had an end date. It was
always a scheme that, ultimately, had an end date. I have to admit that it was
the only scheme by the Liberals and Nationals, and I contrast it to the Housing
Australia Future Fund. Our state government has made a record investment of
$6.3 billion and has a huge number of initiatives, including the WA Rent
Relief Program that has helped thousands of households in the private rental
market avoid being evicted.
Several members
interjected.
The Speaker: Members, you have asked the question. Listen
to the response!
Mr John Carey: Secondly, we have made it very clear
that, rather than giving further subsidies to private landlords with no
guarantee of the security of those homes, which is the failing of that scheme,
we are instead making a record investment in build-to-rent projects and growing
the community housing sector to deliver both social and affordable rentals. I
have to say this: compare this side to that side. We commit to a social housing
target. They refuse to. They criticise when I bring in initiatives to bring
more social and affordable rentals into the housing market. In this chamber,
the shadow housing spokesperson criticised the Fraser Suites complex
initiative, which has been endorsed by Anglicare and Shelter WA. They
offer no policy solutions when it comes to social and affordable rentals.
Several members
interjected.
The Speaker: Member
for Carine! Member for Cottesloe!
Mr John Carey: They offer no solutions.
Several members
interjected.
The Speaker: Members! Minister, please wait. Members!
No, he has not finished yet. He is going to conclude his remarks now.
Mr John Carey: I find it extraordinary to be lectured
by a Liberal Party that refuses to commit to a social housing target. At the
last election, it could have made a commitment to fund that program. Instead,
what did it do? The Liberals said, "We're going to match the Labor
government."
Ms Sandra Brewer interjected.
The Speaker: Member for Cottesloe!
Mr John Carey: The opposition has no policies and no
credibility at all when it comes to social and affordable housing.
Several members
interjected.
The Speaker: Thank you, minister. Members!
It was a Liberal Party and National Party scheme that had an end date. It was
always a scheme that, ultimately, had an end date. I have to admit that it was
the only scheme by the Liberals and Nationals, and I contrast it to the Housing
Australia Future Fund. Our state government has made a record investment of
$6.3 billion and has a huge number of initiatives, including the WA Rent
Relief Program that has helped thousands of households in the private rental
market avoid being evicted.
Several members
interjected.
The Speaker: Members, you have asked the question. Listen
to the response!
Mr John Carey: Secondly, we have made it very clear
that, rather than giving further subsidies to private landlords with no
guarantee of the security of those homes, which is the failing of that scheme,
we are instead making a record investment in build-to-rent projects and growing
the community housing sector to deliver both social and affordable rentals. I
have to say this: compare this side to that side. We commit to a social housing
target. They refuse to. They criticise when I bring in initiatives to bring
more social and affordable rentals into the housing market. In this chamber,
the shadow housing spokesperson criticised the Fraser Suites complex
initiative, which has been endorsed by Anglicare and Shelter WA. They
offer no policy solutions when it comes to social and affordable rentals.
Several members
interjected.
The Speaker: Member
for Carine! Member for Cottesloe!
Mr John Carey: They offer no solutions.
Several members
interjected.
The Speaker: Members! Minister, please wait. Members!
No, he has not finished yet. He is going to conclude his remarks now.
Mr John Carey: I find it extraordinary to be lectured
by a Liberal Party that refuses to commit to a social housing target. At the
last election, it could have made a commitment to fund that program. Instead,
what did it do? The Liberals said, "We're going to match the Labor
government."
Ms Sandra Brewer interjected.
The Speaker: Member for Cottesloe!
Mr John Carey: The opposition has no policies and no
credibility at all when it comes to social and affordable housing.
Several members
interjected.
The Speaker: Thank you, minister. Members!
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