Australian Democrats Housing Policy
OBJECTIVES
The Australian Democrats aim to ensure equitable access to housing for all Australians, including public or community housing for those who require it, and that economic and planning practises of all levels of government are applied to meet these goals in a sustainable way.
PRINCIPLES
1. The Australian Democrats believe that government should play a role in smoothing the boom and bust cycles in the housing market by ensuring all legislation that encourages property investment and which impacts on lifestyle and affordability, is monitored and reviewed to minimise negative effects.
2. We will ensure land taxes are extended to certain owner-occupier properties at the top end of the market and reduced for multiple investments in low cost rental housing.
3. We will work towards the abolition of stamp duty on homes that are bought as a principal place of residence.
4. We will legislate so that there is increased funding for public and community housing of an adequate standard, and that this funding is indexed and cannot be used for any other purpose.
5. We will work to ensure that the Commonwealth and States governments support investment in affordable rental housing through a variety of taxation and other incentives.
6. The Democrats commit to ensuring that housing strategies are developed to meet the needs of disadvantaged groups, including youth, people with a disability, indigenous people, senior Australians, and people with intellectually or mentally impaired.
7. We will actively encourage governments at all levels to become more proactive in facilitating community housing and low-cost housing projects , by working together to reduce development, infrastructure and energy costs and provide an integrated approvals and funding process.
8. We believe tenants should be given every opportunity to have an effective role in managing their own homes and communities.
9. We support the universal introduction of tenancy tribunals to protect the rights of all people who rent, board or lodge.
10. We will work towards uniform national laws that ensure security of tenure for renters.
11. We believe State Governments should apply consistent and sustainable urban and environmental planning processes to ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing.
12. support the enforcement of environmental standards within the building code, including energy efficiency standards.
13. advocate design and construction practices that reduce reliance on non-renewable power sources.
14. believe that the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement should be maintained, and that the Commonwealth must play a continuing financial role in ensuring affordable and appropriate housing for all Australians.
15. support initiatives for people on low and moderate incomes to have access to a choice of affordable housing options, as well as access to rent and mortgage subsidies.
16. will provide incentives so that urban planning processes are improved to better integrate the environment with urban development, and improve community input into major infrastructure and planning decisions.
will work towards legislative change so that all subsidies and schemes to assist people to rent or buy homes are means tested, combined with a review and revision of eligibility requirements.
17. support the use of independent organisations to provide low cost land and housing infrastructure, and to encourage innovative planning to meet community needs.
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