Housing Minister John Carey has put on hold much-needed housing in the Kimberley despite the concerns of community leaders.
Minister Carey has ignored desperate calls from the Kimberley Regional Group to address overcrowded housing and the negative consequences on children in order to get “better value for money” at a later date.
Minister Carey’s admission came during a meeting with the KRG when asked about what was to be done regarding the housing crisis in the Kimberley.
Shadow Minister for Housing, the Hon Steve Martin MLC, said Minister Carey’s excuse was a clear deflection from fulfilling his role as Housing Minister.
“Minister Carey has proven he cannot deliver when it comes to providing safe and adequate housing for Western Australians.
“More evidence this Government simply cannot manage the State, whether it be Hospitals, Housing or Childcare, it’s a mess,” said Mr Martin.
Mr Martin said using the building boom as an excuse for not delivering on social housing was a poor excuse after five years of inaction from the McGowan Labor Government.
“The McGowan Government has been selling off homes for years and has now put off even further a solution for the almost 40,000 Western Australians on the social housing waitlist.
“How long will those people have to wait.
“The building industry is under significant stress.
“Today we heard Probuild has gone into administration among the 18 other businesses that share the same fate.
“Many of these businesses cited ‘COVID delays’ as reason for loss of business.
“We’re seeing an array of labour shortages, supply chain disruptions and inflationary concerns that have pounded the building industry for the last two years with little support.
“We need to see support for construction businesses in order to do their jobs, or the Housing Minister will delay the building of social housing for years.”
