Everybody’s Home Pledge

Two Western Australian Labor MP’s have signed the pledge to support more social housing to create jobs and help end homelessness.

Member for Perth Patrick Gorman MP and the Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson MP met with Shelter WA Chief Executive Officer Michelle Mackenzie and signed the Everybody’s Home pledge, urging the Federal Government to increase investment in social housing. Shelter WA has contacted every West Australian Federal Member of Parliament asking them to pledge their support for the social housing system.

Social Housing Investment

Building social housing is the most effective way to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Shelter WA is urging the Commonwealth to seize the opportunity to drive recovery efforts through new social housing investment by supporting the Social Housing Acceleration and Renovation Program (SHARP). Launched by the national peak bodies, National Shelter, the Community Housing Industry Association, Homelessness Australia, and Everybody’s Home SHARP will see an additional 30,000 homes built and thousands more renovated, increasing social housing supply whilst creating new jobs.

[L-R] Michelle Mackenzie, Josh Wilson MP, Lisa Kazalac

The Federal Government has a shared responsibility for housing with the states. Understanding the importance of housing the Commonwealth has a long history of investing in social housing, including times of economic crisis. The massive post World War II social housing construction agenda, and the Social Housing Initiative in response to the Global Financial Crisis, are just two examples of this effort.

Housing Fundamental to Recovery Effort

At this difficult time the Government’s emergency measures to support businesses and workers will bring much-needed relief to many Australians. This will be vital in getting people back into jobs fast, and in enhancing building company confidence to retain workers. Having a home is fundamental to any recovery effort.

Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie thanked each of the members for their support.

[L-R] Michelle Mackenzie, Patrick Gorman MP, Lisa Kazalac

“At a time when rent stress and homelessness are on the increase throughout Australia, the government’s investment in social housing should be increasing, not decreasing,” Ms Mackenzie said. “I encourage other MPs to sign the pledge and to advocate for new investment in social housing in the Federal Budget.”

The latest Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) research shows Australia has a shortfall of 433,000 social housing properties and according to KPMG, every dollar spent on social housing boosts GDP by $1.30. Social housing is an investment not a cost.

For further details about this campaign and if you would like to speak to your MP about the need to increase social and affordable housing click here.