The State Opposition has cast doubt about the McGowan Labor Government’s latest announcement to deliver new housing stock, pointing to social housing maintenance backlogs, huge waitlists and stalled Common Ground project as proof that Labor is all talk and no action.
Shadow Housing Minister Steve Martin said that topping up the Social Housing Investment Fund in this month’s budget was a cynical way of pretending the government was making any progress on its housing crisis, as social housing properties sit empty and waiting times blow out.
“Actions speak louder than words. The Premier and Housing Minister have promised but failed to deliver on housing,” Mr Martin said.
“Labor has sold off more homes than they have built, while the social housing waitlist has blown out to almost 34,000 Western Australians.
“People are stuck on the waitlist for years, waiting for this government to deliver new homes and repair existing stock.
Mr Martin said the government’s stalled Common Ground project in East Perth was a true indicator of the McGowan Labor Government’s record and inability to deliver homelessness support in Western Australia.
“Despite promising for years to build Common Ground, Labor’s pet project has completely stalled.
“Common Ground is this government’s signature policy response to homelessness. But John Carey hasn’t been able to deliver it, even in his own backyard.
“If you’re in need of housing in Western Australia, you’ll be waiting longer under Labor,” Mr Martin concluded.
