This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
OPPOSITION leader Peter Dutton has put housing at the forefront of the shadow ministry, recognising growing voters discontent amid Australia’s housing crisis and the great Australian dream of home ownership is out of reach.
Liberal Senator for New South Wales, Andrew Bragg, has been appointed as the new Shadow Assistant Minister for Home Ownership.
Dutton emphasised Bragg’s sharp policy acumen and advocacy skills, crucial for addressing the housing challenges facing the Coalition. This move follows the recent Dunkley by-election, where despite a swing towards the Liberal Party, Labor retained the seat.
Despite a swing of 3.6% to the Liberals lifting its primary vote by 6.8% to 39.3% – it was below the 40.4% received by the Liberal, Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party and One Nation at the recent federal election.
The Dunckley by-election result underscores the electorate’s concerns about housing affordability, amidst a broader cost-of-living crisis and rising interest rates.
The seat of Dunkley has one of the highest ratios of mortgages to population in Australia whilst the median weekly household income of $1,718 is lower than the national average of $1,746.
“Andrew’s astute policy mind and advocacy will stand him in good stead for this critical portfolio area for the Coalition under my leadership,” said Dutton.
With Labor and the Greens already articulating housing policies, the absence of a comprehensive plan from the Liberals has drawn scrutiny within the party.
This is because of the correlation between home ownership and conservative political views underscores the significance of addressing housing affordability if the Liberal Party wants to rebuild its electoral base of Australians under the age of 45.
Recent data from the Australian National University’s Federal Election Study highlights the political implications, with a higher proportion of homeowners favouring the Liberal Party compared to renters who lean towards Labor.
At the 2022 election, 38% of homeowners put Liberal in their first preference compared to 26% of renters, according to Australian National University’s Federal Election Study.
On the other hand, 32% of homeowners and 37% of renters voted for Labor.
Whilst 9% of homeowners and 22% of renters voted for the Greens.
The Greens and its housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather have been gaining traction, particularly through initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill, and securing an additional $3 billion to be spent on housing, including $2 billion into the Social Housing Accelerator Fund.
Senator Bragg acknowledged the urgency of the housing issue, emphasising its economic and social significance. He pledged to collaborate with colleagues to develop effective solutions, recognizing the fundamental importance of restoring the attainability of home ownership for average Australians.
“Too many Australians feel the great Australian dream is out of reach and they will never own a home. It is unacceptable.
“Home ownership has an unparalleled economic and social benefit,”
“We must restore home ownership as achievable for the average worker. I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop solutions to this wicked problem.” Senator Bragg said.
