Greens call for more affordable housing

The Greens are calling on the O’Farrell Government to back their ‘Convert to Rent’ plan in order to increase affordable housing in Sydney.

The plan involves financially incentivising owners of unused commercial spaces to transform the spaces into affordable housing. Greens candidate for the seat of Sydney by-election, Chris Harris met with Australian Greens housing spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam last week to discuss the plan.

Mr Harris said Sydney is littered with disused properties ripe for residential use.

“An audit will help identify disused space,” he said. “And with federal, state and local government support, we can create new housing for struggling renters using the ‘Convert to Rent’ scheme.

“Expanding supply in Sydney is critical to reducing the housing stress many low to middle-income earners are suffering.”

The financial backing offered by the ‘Convert to Rent’ initiative is a loan of up to $21,000. The loan is fully forgivable, contingent on the owner’s adherence to the program’s conditions.

In response to the Greens’ plan, Liberal by-election candidate Shayne Mallard said the policy is an unfunded and irresponsible promise that can never be delivered. Mr Mallard was concerned with the financial considerations.

“Only by electing a strong voice in the O’Farrell Government can the economy be made strong again,” he said. “And good government needs to be able to afford genuine support for Inner City housing in NSW.”

Independent by-election candidate, Alex Greenwich said public housing tenants must have a safe and secure home.

“The priorities should really be fighting off the privatisation of public housing,” he said. “Making sure repairs and safety are the number one concern of government.”

Affordable housing is known as a pertinent issue for local governments. The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) released a report last week in which ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie called for urgent action to ease housing cost pressures.

Affordable housing is of particular concern to students. Last Wednesday, over 100 students rallied against an impending rental increase at Sydney University Village.

“The lack of cheap accommodation creates a barrier for young people from regional or low socio-economic backgrounds who wish to seek a tertiary education,” said Student Housing Officer, Eleanor Morley. “[This] forces students to work longer hours at the expense of their education.”

The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure is preparing a new draft policy on affordable housing, which should be ready for public consultation later this year.

By Mariana Podesta-Diverio