The peak body representing Queensland councils is bitterly disappointed the Federal Government has rejected a united call for a National Housing Summit to explore solutions to the housing crisis.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and 10 other peak bodies representing all sectors of the Queensland community and economy have written to the Federal Government and Opposition, calling for a National Housing Summit to jumpstart a collaboration involving all tiers of government and industry.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said councils stand ready to work with all levels of government and industry to find ways to address the housing crisis which is affecting the entire country.
“We are on the cusp of a Federal Election and local communities across Queensland, and indeed across the country, are looking to all levels of government and industry to show leadership on this important issue,” Ms Smith said.
“The LGAQ, together with the 10 peak bodies supporting the call for a National Housing Summit, want to have a constructive conversation with the Federal Government on this issue.
“Housing Minister Michael Sukkar has instead chosen to respond with political finger pointing.
“This response is bitterly disappointing to the LGAQ, and will no doubt be disappointing to voters currently struggling to find a place to call home, not to mention employers who are struggling to attract workers to regional centres because there is limited housing stock available.
“If the Federal Government feels it has no role to play in finding a solution to this crisis, then it really begs the question as to why we need a Federal Housing Minister.
“The recent Parliamentary Inquiry into housing and homelessness, ordered by Minister Sukkar’s colleague Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, has outlined several recommendations impacting all levels of government.
“Indeed, the chair of the committee that conducted that inquiry, Jason Falinski MP, said in his media release that his final report ‘identifies opportunities for all levels of government to unlock more housing supply, create more affordable homes and increase home ownership’.
“A National Housing Summit would provide a perfect opportunity to explore these recommendations and also allow other potential solutions to be put on the table.
“This is a complex issue, and there are a multitude of stakeholders who need to join with each level of government to help identify pathways to solutions.
“We call on Minister Sukkar to reconsider our request because every Australian community deserves to be a liveable one and every Australian deserves to have a roof over their head.”
