.........Housing affordability in Australia should be
re-defined as a Chronic Disease requiring a national health
strategy.
Housing affordability in Australia is a major threat to
Australian's health and should be re-defined as a Chronic Disease
requiring a major coordinated response from Federal, State and Local
Government, similar to that being mounted for Chronic Diseases in
Australia.
Robert Caulfield, Managing Director
of Archicentre said with Australia as one of the world's most
prosperous countries, shelter, a basic human need is being taxed out
of existence for many working families. This is a result of a legacy
of failed housing and planning policies at all levels of government
in the past and present.
Image right: Robert Caulfield Managing Director of Archicentre
Mr Caulfield said "with the announcement of the largest quarterly
decline in housing starts for a March quarter in almost three years,
Federal, State and Local Government needs to review housing taxes
and charges, especially for first home buyers.
"There has been an urgent need for at least two years in light of
the rising living costs and interest rates, for the government to
reform its current tax system on housing including Land Tax and
Stamp Duty with greater cuts.
"Housing affordability is a Chronic Disease causing suffering
on working families placing them under increased stress, loss of
relationships, loss of shelter and increasing dysfunctional family
life."
Mr Caulfield said that Australia needs a major shakeup of its
housing policies in relation to:
the level of all government taxes and charges
the encouragement of environmental friendly smaller homes
through legislation.
the fast tracking of innovative planning.
the stronger stimulation of housing in regional and country
towns.
the increasing of the role of Government land agencies such as
VicUrban.
an overhaul of planning rules to allow strata titling of
existing larger homes.
encouragement of housing facilities for seniors in their
existing neighbourhoods.
Mr Caulfield said that the Federal Government is moving towards
national programs for the treatment of Chronic Diseases such as
cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Land affordability requires
a similar approach as for many people it will increasingly become a
matter of life and death.
www.archicentre.com.au
The
building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of
Architects
Media Enquiries:
Robert Caulfield, Managing Director of
Archicentre Mobile: 0412 381 306
Ron Smith Corporate Media
Communications Archicentre (03) 9818 5700 Mobile: 0417 329 201
