Labor cuts housing funds
The federal government is to cut $50 million from state-tied housing programs, which will affect low income earners harshly.
For years the New South Wales government has underfunded the community housing sector, but has recently pledged to redress the situation. Now federal funding cuts will slash $23.7 million from NSW.
"The federal government's recent strategy of slashing state housing funds targeted to those in greatest housing need makes little sense in the current climate of economic hardship, particularly given the severe impact on women with children, families, singles and youth", said Karine Shellshear, coordinator of the Association to Resource Cooperative Housing (ARCH).
The Keating government promised more housing, not less, in its 1992-93 budget. "Many people waiting for the delivery of housing have again been thwarted rather than being facilitated by constructive attempts by state and federal tiers, who could be working together", said Shellshear.