Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan supporting construction jobs in Melbourne’s outer east

Joint Media Release with:

  • Mike Symon MP, Member for Deakin
  • Shaun Leane MLC, Victorian Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region

Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek today visited Bayswater North, where over $410,000 is being invested to upgrade 66 social housing dwellings before the end of this financial year.

Ms Plibersek, who made the visit with Member for Deakin, Mike Symon and Victorian Member for Eastern Metropolitan region, Shaun Leane, said the investment was part of the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

Work at the site includes internal and external painting, re-carpeting, new vinyl, some kitchen replacements, bathroom repairs, gutter replacements, roof repairs and other general maintenance.

The Government’s investment in social housing repairs and maintenance in 2008/09 includes:

  • Deakin – $410,761 to upgrade 66 homes.

Ms Plibersek said the Rudd Government is investing just under $50 million in 2008/09 right across Victoria on social housing maintenance as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan. Further allocations will soon be announced for 2009/10.

“The Rudd Government’s $6.4 billion investment to build 20,000 social housing dwellings across Australia will stimulate the building and construction industry and has been estimated by Treasury to support 15,000 jobs nationally over the next two years,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Nearly 70 percent of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan is infrastructure and these construction projects are now underway.

“When the stimulus package gets up to full steam in about 12 months, there will be around 35,000 individual construction projects around the country.

“It’s not just about jobs for builders and tradies but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the Australian economy ticking over.”

Mr Symon said housing and construction is a major employer in the Australian economy.

“The Rudd Government is taking practical steps through its Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan to cushion the impact of the global financial crisis by supporting jobs in the construction sector,” Mr Symon said.

“In addition, there is the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to people who need it the most.”

“All governments are committed to ensuring we pull out all stops to meet these tight delivery deadlines.”

Mr Leane said the provision of adequate social housing was particularly important in the current global economic climate.

“This significant investment in repairs and maintenance will prolong the useable life of these dwellings and improve amenity for tenants,” Mr Leane said.

“These infrastructure projects show the Australian, state and territory and local governments working together in partnership.”