The CFMEU has called for federal parliament to pass the Housing Australia Future Fund bill as an important step in addressing Australia’s housing crisis.
CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith has vowed to keep pushing the federal government to be more ambitious on building social housing.
“Our union will keep campaigning hard for the government to invest more in social housing,” Mr Smith said.
“Ensuring working people have access to affordable housing built with safe, secure and well-paid construction jobs is a top-line priority for the CFMEU.
“We know about $15 billion a year needs to be spent on housing to address the huge shortfall Australia faces, so the figures we’re talking about are still a drop in the ocean.
“The Prime Minister’s announcement of a $2 billion social housing accelerator is the sort of initiative we need to see if we’re going to fix the housing crisis.
“I want to thank Minister Collins for listening to our union’s concerns with the original bill and making improvements that respond to some of the key concerns.
“Crossbench MPs and senators, including the Greens, have played a crucial role in advocating for more funding.
“While it isn’t perfect, the Housing Australian Future Fund bill should be passed through parliament this week.
“Making the future fund law puts in place critical policy architecture which can be built on with greater levels of funding.”
