Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) that the construction industry has reported a substantial fall in activity as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic,

(ii) that homelessness has increased over the past decade, levels of housing stress have risen and that housing is less affordable and less secure than ever before,

(iii) the role social housing plays in addressing homelessness and housing stress, and

(iv) that housing construction can make a significant contribution to Australia's post-COVID-19 economic recovery while at the same time improve access for all Australians to more affordable and secure housing; and

(b) calls on the Morrison Government to work in partnership with state and local governments, the housing industry, social housing and homelessness organisations, and any other relevant expert to develop and co-fund a national plan that will:

(i) provide secure employment opportunities for construction workers and tradespeople, to ensure the long-term viability of the construction industry,

(ii) renew and refurbish existing social housing stock, to ensure current social housing tenants can stay safe and healthy in their homes, and

(iii) invest in new social housing to help reduce levels of homelessness and housing stress in Australia