REIQ welcomes new Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has today welcomed a new Minister to the Housing and Homelessness portfolio in a new-look Albanese Government Cabinet.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella welcomed the Hon Clare O’Neil MP to the critical portfolio with housing affordability and accessibility remaining an issue on everyone’s lips.

“Queensland’s housing and homelessness challenges are in the spotlight as we attract the focus of the nation and the world as the Olympics nears,” Ms Mercorella said.

“Given our state’s unique and urgent challenges, we look forward to the opportunity to discuss the Federal housing policies that closely interplay with our market with Minister O’Neil.

“Queensland has both a lower home ownership rate and a higher rental population than the national average.

“The composition of Queensland housing sees those renters relying heavily on private investors to put a roof over their head.

“There is also added strain in the private rental market and on emergency housing resources, due to a social housing average wait time of almost two and a half years, while homelessness remains prevalent in our streets and parks.”

Ms Mercorella also thanked outgoing Minister Julie Collins for her ambitious housing agenda and welcomed opportunities to reconnect regarding the Small Business element of her portfolio which she retains, alongside becoming the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister.

ENDS

Media enquiries:
Claire Ryan, Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager, The Real Estate Institute of Queensland
M: 0417 623 723 E: media@reiq.com.au

Read another media release from the REIQ: REIQ bids for bold housing reforms in State Election policy paper.

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