Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Nation Building and Job Plan supporting construction jobs in WA

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
  • Senator Mark Arbib, Parliamentary Secretary for Government Service Delivery

Parliamentary Secretary for Government Service Delivery, Mark Arbib and WA Treasurer Troy Buswell today announced that work can begin on the construction phase of the Rudd Government’s Nation Building and Jobs Plan for an extra 20,000 social houses.

The Australian and Western Australian Governments have committed to deliver 286 new social housing dwellings across the state by July 2010 at a cost of $70 million.

“We needed to move quickly in order to provide a stimulus to the economy so we asked the WA Government to provide us with a list of projects which could be fast-tracked with work to begin immediately,”  Tanya Plibersek said.

Senator Mark Arbib said, “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.”

“That’s why the WA Government has agreed to contribute land worth almost $40 million to make sure this construction can go ahead. Building these new homes will also provide a welcome boost to our local building industry.

Senator Arbib said housing and construction is a major employer in the Australian economy.

“That’s why housing has featured so strongly in the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan – firstly through the First Home Owners Boost and then by the $6.4 billion announcement to build 20,000 social housing dwellings.

“This will stimulate the building and construction industry and has been estimated to support 15,000 jobs nationally over the next two years.

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

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

Federal  Tanya Plibersek said the tough economic climate meant that more people were struggling to find a place to live.

“There’s no doubt more people are doing it tough and need help. We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that people who need housing are helped because we believe that housing is a health need.

“It’s critical for the Western Australian and Commonwealth Governments during these tough economic times to do all we can to help businesses retain their current employees as well as employ more people.