Addressing the housing crisis

Vision: Housing is sustainable, affordable and accessible for all people in our community – particularly our most vulnerable.

Why are we here? The housing crisis in Australia is a product of poor policy by successive Liberal and Labor governments who have failed to invest in sufficient, affordable, and social housing. Both parties have maintained policies that turned homes into investments, favouring a wealthy few and pricing young people out of the market.

Kate Lockhart, Independent for Corangamite, is advocating for:

Building more new homes by:

• Incentivising entry into construction trades through free TAFE and business sponsorships for apprentices.
• Securing a sustainable and affordable supply chain of construction materials grown and made in Australia.

Making housing more affordable and fairer by:

• Phasing out tax incentives for investors who own more than two homes.
• Improving collaboration across all levels of government to release land and expedite planning approvals.
• Establishing a Green Housing Fund for the construction of sustainable, energy-efficient, social and affordable housing, including modular homes to reduce costs.

Ensuring developments meet community needs by:

• Mandating inclusionary zoning for social housing – 10 per cent in private developments, 30 per cent in government ones.
• Requiring development designs to include accessible public transport options.
• Supporting a mix of housing stock that meets people’s changing needs through life.

Supporting innovative solutions to create housing now – not in years:

• Hosting a Housing Now Forum to explore fast-track and alternative solutions.
• Relaxing planning rules for tiny homes, second dwellings, co-housing and multi-generation homes.
• Allowing worker accommodation in industrial, commercial and farming zones.
• Creating legal frameworks for homeowners to establish community land trust villages.
• Encouraging modular construction with local, sustainable materials – following international best practice (e.g. France’s 70 per cent recyclable building rule).

Reducing the impact of homelessness by:

• Increasing funding for early intervention programs that prevent homelessness.
• Ensuring more long-term, safe, and affordable social housing for people experiencing homelessness.
• Holding domestic violence offenders accountable so survivors aren’t left transient or unsafe.

Quotes from Kate Lockhart:

“House prices jumped almost 40 per cent in the last five years, according to CoreLogic. However, when adjusting for inflation, real wages have declined over this same period. That is not fair. Fairness is about ensuring no one is left behind, and that each generation has the opportunity to affordably own or rent a home that meets their needs – and the needs of their dependents.”

“Houses should be primarily homes – not investment vehicles. We must phase out tax incentives that drive inequality, and open the door for first-home buyers and renters.”

“Expedited planning approvals are essential. They must still be thoughtful and sustainable – but delays are costing us. I will champion greater efficiency across all levels of government.”

“We can’t wait years to solve this crisis. I’ll advocate for flexible rules on tiny homes and innovative alternatives that deliver housing quickly, without compromising on quality or community.”

“Homelessness is growing. We must be proactive and increase investment in social housing and early intervention programs in our region, like Feed Me Bellarine.”