Keep regional housing in public hands

The AEU commends the Malinauskas Government for establishing an Office for Regional Housing, which will take steps to address the growing shortage of housing for key workers through a government build program.

The lack of regional housing has become severe, and the AEU has been advocating for adequate supply and quality in our next Enterprise Agreement. There are a number of teachers currently living in caravans and motels awaiting suitable housing - a degrading start for educators working to alleviate teacher shortages in country areas.

As well as the quality and availability of housing, the AEU is foregrounding affordability as a key criterion of any new housing. Media reports indicate that when complete, this housing will be sold off to private investors for rent to government employees. Those who have experienced private rental in country regions know that, while a component of private rent is subsidised by government, many private investors will view this as an opportunity to take advantage of educators.