A coalition government will make home ownership viable for more Australians, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says, promising $5 billion to fast-track building projects. or signup to continue reading Mr Dutton on Saturday unveiled the coalition's Housing Infrastructure Program, designed to expedite construction of up to half a million homes through a mixture of grants and concessional loans. If elected, the coalition would temporarily fund water, power and sewerage to move the projects along as part of the commitment.
"This is a game-changer for young Australians who can't see the opportunity yet to own a home," Mr Dutton told reporters in Perth. Noting it did not usually fall to the federal government to fund enabling infrastructure, he pledged to pay councils, utility companies or developers to fast-track development. The bodies must use the money within a year.
"Under the Albanese government, Australia is facing a housing crisis. The great Australian dream of home ownership has never felt further out of reach," he said. "We need to get our country back on track, and restore the Australian dream of home ownership.
" But Housing Minister Clare O'Neil said the promise did not make up for the coalition's planned cuts to spending on social and affordable housing. "Peter Dutton is taking with one hand and giving with the other. It's a card trick," she told reporters.
The opposition also announced a freeze and a review of the National Construction Code, claiming changes to energy ef.