- Peter Gutwein Liberal Gov re-elected, currently one short of majority
- PCA Tasmania Executive Director says housing affordability is a 'vital issue' for Gov
- Calls for property tax reform in the state
The Property Council of Tasmania (PCA) Executive Director, Rebecca Ellston, has congratulated the Liberal Party on their re-election in Saturday’s State election.
According to the ABC, the Liberals have 12 seats – one shy of the 13 needed to have a clear majority – with three more seats still in doubt as of this morning.
Rebecca Ellston, who begun her role as the new Executive Director back in February, hopes the re-elected Government will tackle the issue of surging house prices in the State.
“We congratulate the Hon. Peter Gutwein MP and the Liberal Party on their re-election,” she said.
“Tasmanians have made their choice and a re-elected Gutwein Government must now focus on helping our state reach its full potential over the next four years.
“A vital issue for this government is housing affordability – it is a major concern for all Tasmanians.”
Rebecca Ellston, Executive Director PCA Tasmania
Ms Ellston has called upon the Tasmanian Government to consider reforming state taxes, which she labels as “out-of-date”, “not fit-for-purpose” and as “hurting the state’s economy”. She is optimistic industry and both sides of politics can work together to improve housing affordability.
“We look forward to working with the Gutwein Government to urgently finalise the statewide planning scheme, incentivise first home buyers with a boost to the first home owners grant, and at a broader level conduct a thorough review of Tasmania’s tax system.
“We extend our hand to the Government, Opposition and other parties to work with them on developing a substantive agenda to deal with this issue.”
Prior to the election, the PCA outlined five key issues they pitched to all parties, which ranged from streamlining planning processes to encouraging population growth in order to drive economic activity.
The Liberals committed to building 450 homes at the Hobart Showgrounds, with 150 of these designated as social and affordable housing. Additionally, 7.5 hectares of land has been allocated to more housing with a $4 million package also announced to attract workers to the construction and building sectors.
