Jo Haylen MP, Member for Summer Hill, today criticised the Berejiklian Government’s Housing Affordability plan for failing to address rental affordability.

The plan, announced yesterday, focused heavily on buyers but ignored the fact that less than 16% of properties in Sydney and the Illawarra are affordable for households on social security payments or the minimum wage.

A recent report showed only 1 of the 859 homes in the inner west would be deemed an affordable rental using this criteria.

The Premier’s announcement contained no commitment to inclusionary zoning, and cuts to stamp duty for homes under $650,000 would have little impact on buyers looking to live in the inner west. 

Comments attributable to Jo Haylen MP, Member for Summer Hill:

“This announcement just confirms that the Premier thinks she can solve Sydney’s housing crisis by tinkering with the same policies that got us here in the first place.

“The narrow focus on supply and will do nothing to help those looking to buy or rent in the inner west.

“On the other hand, Labor has committed to 25% affordable housing on Government-owned land and 15% on privately owned land rezoned for development. We’re cracking down on foreign investment and empty homes and of course, we have a bold policy that reforms negative gearing.  

“Renters are the forgotten people in the affordable housing debate and we need fundamental reform to help people into secure housing, whether they’re looking to buy, rent or live in social housing.

“If you needed further proof that the Premier doesn’t understand the pressures inner west residents face, this is it.”