New ABS data showing a 26.2 per cent fall in Tasmanian building approvals for August casts further doubt over the Liberals’ ability to deliver their promised ‘construction blitz‘.
Shadow Minister for Building and Construction, Jen Butler, said Peter Gutwein is breaking his promise to build Tasmania out of recession, while Roger Jaensch has been hiding the truth about Tasmania’s public housing stock.
“Tasmania’s building approvals fell by a staggering 26.2 per cent in August, which was by far the worst result in the country,” Ms Butler said.
“Peter Gutwein committed billions of dollars to a ‘construction blitz’ as a way to try to build Tasmania out of the COVID-19 crisis, but fewer housing approvals this month means less work for builders next month. Clearly the Premier’s recovery plan is not working.
“We know that every $1 spent on building and construction projects creates $2.90 in activity in the economy. What this means it that under the Liberals, August’s $75 million dollar buildings approval nosedive actually equates to hundreds of millions of dollars being lost for Tasmania’s economy.
“Despite the Liberals’ promise to build Tasmania out of a recession the data also shows that fewer houses have been approved in the past three months than at the height of the pandemic. It’s time for the government to stop the smoke and mirrors and get on with delivering their promised ‘construction blitz’.
“Just two public sector houses were approved in August, indicating Roger Jaensch’s complete incapability to increase the levels of affordable housing in Tasmania as promised, and his continuation to hide the truth about it.
Ms Butler said a Labor government would fast track development of affordable social housing, while stimulating job creation in the building and construction sector.
“Labor’s Housing Works Policy will fast track the building of 490 more affordable homes. The intensive construction program will create 550 more jobs for Tasmanians, including 75 apprenticeships.”
Jen Butler MP
Shadow Minister for Building and Construction
