ACT Greens MLA for Brindabella Amanda Bresnan has called for the Government to act now on boosting the supply of affordable rental housing in the ACT.

“The rental crisis looks worse in Canberra this year, despite the economic slump, and ACT Government action is needed,” Ms Bresnan said today.

“The Parliamentary Agreement the ACT Government made with the Greens includes a boost to public housing, and increased support for affordable private rental housing.”

“I am aware that the COAG meeting last year included some commonwealth funds for social housing. The ACT Government should match this federal money with its own and invest in some new public housing stock in the proposed February stimulus package.”

“At a time of housing industry slow down, more public investment makes sense.”

“The ACT Government also agreed to look at land tax concessions on homes that are rented to low income households.”

The ACT Greens-ALP Parliamentary Agreement requires the Government to develop such a scheme by 2010.

“The economic down turn and the threatened flight of housing investors suggests that this option be fast tracked in time for the 2009/10 budget.”

“Finally, the ACT Government could also consider investing some of its superannuation funds into public or community housing too. After all, chances are we would get a better return on bricks and mortar than we would in investing in equities,” Ms Bresnan said.

The ACT Greens have welcomed the HIA’s call today for an increased investment in public housing.

“The Greens with community organisations have been calling for an increase in public housing for many years,” Amanda Bresnan said today.

“So it’s really encouraging to see an industry group such as HIA come on board, as it supports us in making the case.”

“A key feature of the Greens Agreement with Labor is the adoption of a goal of 10% public housing stock.”

“The Agreement also commits the ACT Government to pursue matched funding from the Commonwealth.”

“I would hope that these issues will be taken to CoAG this week.”

“In this context we also look forward to the Commonwealth’s white paper on Homelessness in Australia” Ms Bresnan said.

ACT GREENS MLA DEB FOSKEY MEDIA RELEASE

The ACT Assembly today passed Greens MLA Deb Foskey’s Protection of Public Participation Bill, following its initial introduction in 2005, an Assembly Committee inquiry which concluded in 2007, and its subsequent redrafting.

This Bill is part of a Greens national project to introduce anti SLAPP* laws in every jurisdiction.

“This Public Participation Act is an Australian first, providing protection against legal action which is designed to silence people wanting to contribute to public debates” Dr Foskey said today.

“As the ‘Gunns 20’ are well aware, the burden of an unfounded legal attack can be crippling and enormous.”

“Our laws will protect people who give up their time and money, and often peace of mind, to fight to help those who cannot help themselves, future generations, other species, and the rest of us. These are the people who should receive Orders of Australia, and other civil awards. They are true heroes.”

“I am happy to take this opportunity to applaud the Government and the Liberal Party for their support for my Bill, which reinforces the right of political expression.”

“The passage of this Bill with the eventual support of all parties is an illustration of how the Assembly works best when parties cooperate on important legislation.”

“This Bill adds teeth to some provisions of the ACT Human Rights Act. In the absence of a national or enforceable Bill of Rights, legislation like this is essential to protect democratic freedoms. I hope the Commonwealth follows the ACT’s lead” Dr Foskey said.

*SLAPP = Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation

Deb Foskey, ACT Greens MLA, today raised concerns that public housing is missing out in the redevelopment of yet another decommissioned public housing site.

“Burnie Court in Lyons provided homes to 264 public housing tenants before it was demolished in 2001, contributing to the loss of more than 1000 public housing units in condemned multi-residential developments,” said Dr Foskey.

“Seven years later, it is to be redeveloped with around 200 units, none of which will be public housing.”

“I acknowledge the 24 public housing for older tenants nearby on Freycinet St, and I am also glad to see that 12 or so of the new dwellings will be affordable housing (75% of market rents) through CHC Affordable Housing.”

“Nonetheless I am concerned that every time we lose a multi-residential housing complex, any replacement dwellings are located away from amenities. Public housing tenants have the least resources and need to be able to access services close to hand.”

“Recently we saw that Fraser Court is to become upmarket housing and this seems to be the direction being taken on the Lyons Estate – the lesson seems to be that the land around town centres is too valuable for public housing.”

“The Greens don’t want to recreate the mistakes of the past, by putting a large number of disadvantaged people together on one site.”

“What we need instead is inclusionary zoning, a mandated level of affordable and social housing, including community housing and public housing.”

“This is how cities in the US, Canada and Ireland have tackled their need for affordable housing, but the Government and Opposition rejected the idea when I proposed it in 2005.”

“This ensures a good social mix, which has always been a basic principle in Canberra’s planning.”

“Its not too late to make the Lyons Estate part of the solution to our affordable housing problem,” said Deb Foskey.