HBAG letter to all Members of Parliament as the election planning commences

The Hon. John Carey MLA
Minister for Planning; Lands; Housing; Homelessness

Dear Mr Carey

The Home Builders Action Group [HBAG] is now finalising its plans to campaign in selected seats at the coming State Election.

A decision has been taken to campaign in a maximum of 8 seats selected from the following preliminary list, although final decisions have not yet been made and that’s why this email is being sent to you even if your electorate is not one of those listed:

The final decision about which ones will be made by 1 August. HBAG is contacting all of the candidates, including those contesting the target list of seats, to determine attitudes to the problems impacting the housing industry. Responses will inform and instruct our campaign.

HBAG is non-party political, so it is likely that we will campaign for or against candidates from different parties because our support will be based solely on the candidate’s attitude to the home building industry and to solving its problems.

Could you please advise HBAG:

1. Are you aware of the depth of the difficulties confronting small to medium sized home building companies?
2. Do you agree that these difficulties are among the major contributing factors to:
   • Increased homelessness;
   • Many fewer available rental properties;
   • Skyrocketing rents;
   • Dramatically increased building times; and
   • The financial hardship impacting many families who are paying rent AND mortgages as a result of these delays.
3. Are you aware that builders are prevented by law from passing on unavoidable and fully justified price rises?
4. Do you agree that Government Grants – welcomed because it was thought they would boost housing stock and increase affordability – actually added to and cause problems by overheating and already stretched industry that had no capacity and couldn’t deliver?
5. Will you support an Industry Assistance Package that is:
   • Targeted;
   • Limited in scope and
   • Includes both financial assistance and reviewed and updated industry regulation and grade training,
   • As the best way of increasing the supply of homes quickly.
6. It is anticipated that HBAG’s campaign will include a range of activities including:
   • Contacting electors directly by doorknocking, telephoning and by email and “snail mail”;
   • Distributing pamphlets and car stickers;
   • Advertising in the “smokestack” media and through a thorough social media campaign;
   • Convening a limited number of Electorate Meetings; and
   • Direct contact with housing industry participants including tradespeople, suppliers, clients and professionals like drafts people, architects and others.

HBAG accepts that party policy will be binding on party candidates but is anxious to underline that it is seeking to know your attitude to what should be included in that party policy. Of course, we also know that it is likely standard answers will be prepared by party offices but hopes that will not prevent you telling us the things you stand for and that you will contribute to policy development within party forums in this important area.

HBAG is unashamedly committed to making HOUSING a major election issue. The problems reported yesterday about NICHE Living should be a surprise to no-one – HBAG has been warning of these dangers and their worsening for many months.

We’d like to have your response by Friday 19 July – please don’t hesitate to contact either of us if you require any further information.

Best Wishes
Yours sincerely

Jason Janssen
0412 373 404
CHAIRMAN
Home Builders Action Group

Damien D’Ascenzo
0403 066 028
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
Home Builders Action Group