Monday 16 December 2024
After 10 years of Jacinta Allan and Labor, regional Victorians continue to suffer the pain on housing.
The housing affordability crisis has never been worse and more than 12 months on from Labor’s “landmark” housing statement, it has abandoned a pledge to build 80,000 homes a year.
At the same time, in a cruel double-whammy, Labor continues to raise property taxes.
Victoria is now the highest-taxed state in the nation, with Labor introducing 57 new or increased taxes, including 29 property-based taxes.
Social housing should provide a haven for those in need, but social housing stock has never been more strained.
While Labor spends up on its big city “Big Build”, regional areas are ignored.
Regional Victorians are being crushed by soaring rents, rising property taxes, and the difficulty of saving for a home.
The Housing Industry Association states “Government taxes and charges account for as much as 50 per cent of the cost of a new house and land package”.
No wonder the cost of homes continues to be out of reach for so many.
Regional communities need affordable housing solutions, targeted investment, and policies that prioritise them – not another decade of Labor’s ignorance.
Labor can’t manage housing, can’t manage money, and regional Victorians are paying the price.
Danny O’Brien MP
Leader of The Nationals