Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan supporting construction jobs in Western Sydney

Joint Media Release with:

  • Roger Price MP, Member for Chifley

Tanya Plibersek and Member for Chifley, Roger Price today joined tenants and builders to inspect repairs and maintenance work done as part of the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan Social Housing Initiative.

The four-bedroom house in Emerton, which was built in 1970s, is receiving a new lease on life through repairs including a new kitchen, improvements to the bathroom and a new paint and carpet job.

Mr Price said that more than $10 million is being spent in his electorate on repairs and maintenance, providing a terrific boost to both jobs and the social housing stock.

“This is one of 1,735 properties receiving repairs and maintenance under the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan in this area,” Mr Price said.

“The Rudd Government is taking practical steps through its stimulus spending to cushion the impact of the global financial crisis by supporting jobs in the construction sector.

“It’s great to see local jobs are being protected during these tough global economic times. In addition, there is the important social benefit of providing more affordable housing to people who need it the most.”

The Rudd Government is funding repairs and maintenance to over 31,000 properties across the NSW under the Stimulus Plan.

This includes more than 7,800 houses that would be lost to the public housing stock if repairs and maintenance were not undertaken.

“Stimulus funding has been instrumental in protecting jobs in the Australian economy during the worst global recession in 75 years,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Nearly 70 percent of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan is infrastructure and when the stimulus package gets up to full steam, there will be around 35,000 individual construction projects around the country.

“The social housing component of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan has been estimated by Treasury to support 15,000 jobs nationally over the next two years.

“This work is not just about jobs for builders and tradies, but also associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the economy ticking over.”