Premier Chris Minns has failed his biggest test, admitting only two weeks into the New Year that the NSW Labor Government won’t meet its housing targets in 2024 and won’t even commit to meeting them in the following years..
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said it was evident that from the outset that the Minns Labor Government wasn’t interested in working constructively with local councils or engaging with communities to engineer housing solutions that best meet local needs.
“This embarrassing acknowledgment that NSW won’t reach his targets, agreed to only last August, is a result of Chris Minns’ back-of-the-envelope approach to addressing the ongoing rental and housing affordability crisis that is affecting people right across NSW,” Mr Speakman said.
“Chris Minns and his Government rode roughshod over local communities, proposing rezonings with no consultation and next to no detail.”
“Now he admits that his approach isn’t working. It’s time for Chris Minns to accept our offer and discuss our proposal to work with the Federal Government on implementing a better targeted and more sustainable population strategy, and engage in good faith with local communities on planning reforms.”
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Housing Scott Farlow said Chris Minns’ backflip isn’t surprising given his failure to consult even with his own Planning Department before agreeing to Federal Labor’s housing targets.
“Chris Minns didn’t seek advice on how NSW could reach the target before signing on the dotted line, and has now backed down from what he said was his Government’s greatest challenge,” Mr Farlow said.
“His answer now is to play housing State of Origin with Victoria, which is meaningless for those who are suffering from increased rents and record house prices.”
“ABS data shows both planning approvals and housing completions are headed in the wrong direction under Chris Minns.”
Mr Speakman concluded by saying, “after breaking his word on housing so quickly, how can Chris Minns be trusted to solve our State’s housing problems?”
