Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) congratulates the Australian Labor Party on yesterday’s election victory and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the incoming government.
“The Australian people have voted for an Albanese Labor Government and UDIA supports their mandate to boost housing supply, affordability and access,” said Max Shifman, UDIA National President.
“UDIA National is greatly supportive of new Government’s pre-election commitments, including the Help to Buy Scheme, the Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme, the implementation of a National Supply and Affordability Council and an expanded role of NHFIC, amongst many others. It’s encouraging to see industry bodies such as UDIA being consulted in developing many of these initiatives, and it’s great to see ideas in UDIA’s Federal Election Policy Platform, A Plan for Prosperity, being adopted as policy.”
We also acknowledge the efforts of the outgoing government, taking necessary steps to underpin the economy during the uncertainty of the pandemic, with initiatives such as HomeBuilder and the First Home Loan Deposit Guarantee helping tens of thousands of Australians afford and build their new home, whilst maintaining strong employment in the sector
Now the hard work begins for the Albanese Government to continue rebuilding the economy and increasing the supply of homes for all Australians through new homeowner initiatives, EPBC reforms, the Housing Future Fund and a new National Housing and Homelessness Strategy.
The housing development industry finds itself in a challenging period with the combination of land, worker and materials supply shortages pushing up costs and causing substantial delays on completions. We call on the new Government to act quickly to implement complementary initiatives, such as bringing forward training programs and skilled migration.
“We also hope the new government will look closely at incentivising states and territories to boost development ready land, fast track enabling infrastructure and streamline planning and approvals to maximise housing affordability,” said Mr Shifman, “as well as urgently looking at stamp duty thresholds and reform to reduce the enormous transaction costs, which are a major barrier to entry”.
“UDIA National is eager to ready to work with the new Albanese Government and Ministry, and relishes the opportunity to bring its significant insight and industry expertise to assist with the implementation measures, to combat the affordability crisis and help all Australian’s find a home of their own,” added Mr Shifman.
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Media Enquiries:
Deanna Lane | National Media & Communications Manager | 0416 295 898 | media@udia.com.au