Media Release
Housing or homelessness is not listed among the host of Ministerial responsibilities on the Department of Social Services' website http://www.dss.gov.au/ministers
Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Senator Jan McLucas said the Abbott Government has no plan to address housing affordability and homelessness.
"This is yet more evidence that housing and homelessness is just not on the Abbott Government's radar," Senator McLucas said.
"In a few short months, we've seen the abolition of the Prime Minister's Council on Homelessness, the axing of the highly regarded National Housing Supply Council, the removal of the COAG Select Council on Housing and Homelessness and the Commonwealth's withdrawal from the community housing sector's National Regulatory Council."
"It has been confirmed today there are no clear alternatives to replace these important forums."
"And it was also confirmed that applicants to the National Rental Affordability Scheme who applied in August last year are still waiting to hear if they've been successful."
"On top of this, stakeholders are reporting that no access is being granted to ministers."
"This doesn't bode well for the future of housing reform in our country."
Senator McLucas said Federal Labor undertook significant reforms, including establishing the successful National Rental Affordability Scheme and delivering significant funding in recent years through national housing agreements
"We laid a firm foundation for further reform."
"There is of course a lot more work to be done to address housing affordability and homelessness which is why we need to keep the foot on the accelerator and ensure the issue remains firmly on the national agenda."
Senator McLucas said housing affordability was one part of the homelessness challenge which is why she initiated a Senate Inquiry.
28 February 2014
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