Business and Unions Unite to Tackle Housing Crisis with New Proposals

In a rare partnership, a leading business group and unions are joining forces to tackle Australia’s ongoing housing crisis. The Business Council of Australia (BCA) is calling for urgent reforms, including rezoning land and establishing a national fund to boost housing construction. In its newly launched housing report, the BCA highlighted the need for a national reform fund, similar to one from the 1990s, to encourage states to address regulatory and planning bottlenecks that delay housing developments.

Bran Black, the BCA’s chief executive, emphasized the critical nature of the issue, stating, "We need all levels of government to act now. This crisis requires immediate solutions." Key recommendations from the BCA include addressing labor and material shortages by attracting skilled migrants and better-trained workers. The council also proposed harmonizing tradie licensing across states, allowing easier mobility for workers.

In an unusual alliance, Business NSW and Unions NSW are backing a proposal to build affordable housing on unused Crown land, giving essential workers a chance to secure homes without bearing land costs. Sydney’s soaring rent prices—up nearly 60% since 2020—are adding pressure to families across the region.

David Harding, executive director of Business NSW, called the plan a "practical pathway" to ensure long-term housing security for the workers who form the backbone of the community. With Sydney’s housing affordability at crisis levels, the proposal aims to make significant headway in providing homes for those most in need.

Meanwhile, the federal opposition has also thrown its hat into the ring, with Michael Sukkar, the opposition housing spokesperson, expressing cautious support for parts of the BCA's plan. However, he stressed the need to focus on reducing migration to free up homes for Australians.

This ongoing debate around housing reform, labor shortages, and infrastructure investment is shaping up to be a key issue in the next federal election. Both the government and opposition are under pressure to deliver tangible solutions as housing becomes an increasingly critical issue for communities like ours.

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