Media Release by The Hon Tanya Pibersek MP

$61 million for social housing contruction to support Northern Territory jobs

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Chris Burns MLA, Northern Territory Minister for Business
  • The Hon Damian Hale MP, Member for Solomon

Tanya Plibersek, Northern Territory Business Minister Chris Burns and Member for Solomon Damian Hale today inspected progress on social housing construction in Darwin as part of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

Minister Plibersek said an old house in Malak, which was in poor condition, has been demolished to make way for a new four-bedroom home which a Territory family will move into once construction work is completed.

“The Rudd Government is taking practical steps through its Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan by supporting jobs in the construction industry. Housing and construction is a major employer in the Australian economy” Ms Plibersek said.

“That’s why housing has featured so strongly in the Rudd Government’s response to the global financial crisis – firstly through the First Home Owners Boost and then by the commitment to build 20,000 new social housing dwellings.”

“The Rudd Government is investing $61.4 million dollars in new social housing construction across the Northern Territory as we battle the impact of the global recession” said Ms Plibersek.

Dr Burns said the Nation Building investment is protecting Territory jobs and local businesses, the economy and boosting public housing stock.

“The funding injection for Stage One is delivering real results for Territorians. It will see 22 new homes constructed across the Territory and help meet our housing needs,” Dr Burns said.

“The design work is underway for the construction of three 4 bedroom houses – two in Alice Springs and one in Tennant Creek. The contractor will construct the 2 houses in Alice Springs before moving on to construct one house in Tennant Creek.

“Design work has also commenced for eight two bedroom duplexes in the greater Darwin region. Once the design documentation is complete, public tenders will be called for construction.”

Member for Solomon Damian Hale said the Territory has also received more than $4.1 million under the stimulus package to upgrade Territory Housing properties.

“At least 136 dwellings have now been upgraded. In combination with new construction, the social housing component of the stimulus package means more affordable housing in the Territory,” Mr Hale said.

“The work will also help associated industries such as building manufacturers and suppliers who help keep the Australian economy ticking over. The good news is that there’s more to come, with the details of Stage Two construction not too far away.”