Andrew Bragg on housing, the ‘poison’ of Nimbyism, and the NSW Liberal council election debacle
Aug 23, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Andrew Bragg, a New South Wales Liberal senator, tackles the pressing housing crisis in Australia. He critiques the Coalition's housing policies and the pitfalls of Nimbyism, which hinder development. Bragg underscores the need for innovative solutions and increased private sector involvement to address supply shortages. The conversation also reveals the NSW Liberals' electoral missteps, highlighting challenges in party dynamics and leadership as they prepare for future elections. A captivating look into Australian politics!
The drastic decline in housing supply from 230,000 to 160,000 homes per year is severely impacting affordability for average Australians.
Senator Bragg highlights that overcoming NIMBYism is crucial for enabling necessary housing developments to address New South Wales' pressing crisis.
Deep dives
Housing Supply Crisis
The shortage of housing supply in Australia is a significant concern, with current construction rates dropping from 230,000 houses per year down to just 160,000. This decline has directly impacted housing affordability, making it nearly impossible for the average wage earner to either save for a deposit or service a mortgage. The need for more residential buildings is critical to address this crisis, as existing proposals from the government have yet to translate into actual constructed homes. Addressing the supply issue is essential for ensuring that future generations can achieve home ownership and secure their financial stability.
Coalition's Opposition to Government Housing Proposals
The Coalition has largely blocked the government’s housing-related initiatives, such as the Housing Australia Future Fund and tax incentives for property developers, citing concerns over bureaucratic inefficiencies and ineffective outcomes. Senator Andrew Bragg argues that the focus should be on stimulating the private sector rather than relying solely on government interventions to solve the housing crisis. He emphasizes that many of the proposed schemes do not adequately address the needs of first-time home buyers, labeling them as inadequate 'band-aid' solutions. By opposing these measures, the Coalition advocates for a more market-driven approach to increase housing supply and affordability.
NIMBYism and Its Effects
NIMBYism, or 'Not In My Back Yard' mentality, is identified as a major hurdle in addressing housing shortages in New South Wales. The reluctance of local councils to approve new developments can hinder progress and exacerbate the existing housing crisis. There are claims that some Liberal Party members have engaged with NIMBY sentiments, which further complicates efforts to increase supply and development. Senator Bragg stresses the need for a shift in this mindset, advocating that regulatory bodies and the community must accept necessary developments to ensure a sustainable housing market.
Future Housing Policies and Directions
Moving forward, there is a strong need for comprehensive housing policies that not only focus on building more homes but also promote first-time home ownership. The Coalition's alternative proposals include allowing individuals to use their superannuation to purchase first homes and limiting foreign investment in Australian housing markets. Senator Bragg believes that a sustainable solution would involve government ownership of certain affordable housing segments while still encouraging private development for the majority. This dual approach aims to balance immediate housing needs with long-term market stability.
Guardian Australia’s political editor Karen Middleton speaks with New South Wales Liberal senator Andrew Bragg about the Coalition’s plan on housing, and the federal implications of the NSW Liberals’ catastrophic failure to lodge paperwork for the local government elections
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