Friday, November 15, 2024

Historic public housing pledge for SA

The South Australian Government has today announced the first substantial increase to public housing in a generation, with $55.2 million pledged to build an additional 564 public homes for South Australians in need.

Over the past 30 years, public housing in South Australia has increased in just one year– by six homes in 2014-15.

Today’s commitment means the current government will provide an additional 1,144 public homes by mid-2026 than would have been the case under the plans of the former government, said Premier Peter Malinauskas.

“Nothing is more fundamentally important to a quality life than a safe, affordable home,” the Premier said.

“My Dad worked at the Housing Trust for more than 35 years. I’ve seen the difference public housing can make.

“For too long, governments both Liberal and Labor have stood by as our public homes have been sold off, while waiting lists grow.

“No longer. My government is making the investments needed to deliver more South Australians the opportunity to fully participate in our society and our economy,” he said.

As part of its plan for A Better Housing Future, the State Government will commit an additional $55.2 million over the next four years into additional public housing.

The funding is on top of the government’s $177.5 million election commitment to deliver 400 new public homes, upgrade 350 others and allow extra maintenance for a further 3000 properties.

Today’s funding announcement will bring the total number of new public homes due to be constructed by mid-2026 to 564.

The government also today confirmed it will halt plans under the former government to sell off a further 580 public housing properties.

“This is the first time in a generation that we will see a proper increase in public housing,” said Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook.

“It is a rare moment in history when both state and federal governments commit to expanding social and affordable housing at the same time – it just took the voters of Australia and South Australia placing their trust in Labor.”

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