23 March 2023
The Greens have renewed their calls for the State Government to boost its investment in public housing, as new census data reveals homelessness has increased in SA by 1200 people over the last 5 years.
“This data paints a shocking picture of homelessness in our state. It’s clear that the current approaches aren’t working, and we need a major investment in public housing,” said Greens SA Housing Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC.
“Last year, the Greens released modelling that showed that by introducing a Developers’ Tax on the increase in land values from rezoning, the State Government could generate more than a billion dollars in revenue – enough to build 4,000 public homes (https://www.robertsimms.org.au/greens_call_for_developer_tax_to_fund_4_000_public_homes_in_first_malinauskas_state_budget). This is a simple measure that the Malinauskas Government could implement right now to help ease the housing crisis.”
“Ultimately, this is a question of priorities. Rather than just pumping billions of dollars into submarines and tunnels, we need Governments at all levels to step up and invest in the housing we need. Homelessness isn’t inevitable, it can and must be solved by Government.”
“It is devastating that so many South Australians are being denied their basic right to a roof over their head and a place to call home,” said Mr Simms.