MEDIA RELEASE | Housing reforms welcome, but Newcastle and Coast workers still being priced out

The housing reforms announced in the Federal Budget are an important step toward a fairer system, but workers across Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast are still being locked out of affordable housing close to where they work, says the SDA Newcastle and Northern NSW Branch.

The Union, which represents retail, fast food, pharmacy and warehouse workers across the region, said changes to housing tax settings showed the Federal Government had started listening to growing community concern about housing affordability.

SDA Newcastle and Northern NSW Branch Secretary David Bliss said the reforms followed years of campaigning by workers and unions for a housing system that worked for ordinary people, not just investors.

“For too long, retail, fast food, pharmacy and warehouse workers in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast have watched rents rise, house prices soar, and affordable housing disappear from the communities they work in,” Mr Bliss said.

 

“Workers are being pushed further away from their jobs, families and support networks simply because they cannot afford to live locally anymore.”

The Union launched its “A Fair Go Starts with a Home” campaign to push for action on housing affordability across the region.

Mr Bliss said the Federal Budget reforms were welcome but warned much more action was needed from all levels of government – including the NSW Government.

“Generous CGT and negative gearing tax breaks for investors have distorted the housing market over the last 25 years and put affordable homes out of reach for ordinary workers and their families. The Federal Budget’s taxation reforms and additional investment in supply are another important step toward a fairer housing system, but we know it won’t solve the housing crisis overnight,” Mr Bliss said.

 

“We need more social and affordable housing across Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast, stronger action to deliver homes faster, and a commitment to make sure developments like Broadmeadow include higher levels of social and affordable housing.”

The Union is also calling on the NSW Government to take stronger action on housing supply and affordability in the region.

“The people who keep our shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and fast-food stores running deserve the chance to live in the communities they serve.

 

“Housing shouldn’t be out of reach for working people.”