Employees across Newcastle and the Hunter are still being locked out of affordable housing close to where they work.
That’s according to the SDA Newcastle and Northern NSW branch, despite last week’s Federal Budget announcing reforms to ensure a fairer system for all.
However, the union, which represents retail, fast food, pharmacy and warehouse staff throughout the region, concedes the changes to housing tax settings shows the government is finally listening to growing community concerns.
“We’ve been calling for a process that worked for ordinary people, not just investors, for years,” secretary David Bliss said.
“For too long, retail, fast food, pharmacy and warehouse workers in Newcastle and the Hunter have watched rents rise, house prices soar and affordable housing disappear from their own communities.
“Workers are being pushed further away from their jobs, families and support networks simply because they cannot afford to live locally anymore.”
The SDA launched “A Fair Go Starts with a Home” campaign to push for action on affordability across the region.
Mr Bliss said the Federal Budget reforms were welcome but warned much more action was needed from all levels of government – particularly the state.
“Generous CGT and negative gearing tax breaks for investors have distorted the housing market over the past 25 years and put affordable homes out of reach for ordinary workers and their families,” he explained.
“So, the Commonwealth’s taxation reforms and additional investment in supply are another important step toward a fairer housing system.
“But, we know it won’t solve the crisis overnight.
“We need more social and affordable housing across the Hunter; stronger action to deliver homes faster; and a commitment to make sure developments like Broadmeadow include higher levels of social and affordable housing.
“The people who keep our shops, supermarkets, pharmacies and fast-food stores running deserve the chance to live in the communities they serve.”
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