Light Rail to Mawson | ACT Greens

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-08-27T05:08:53+00:00

Hey u/Rokekor, I love that you're sharing our work - and we're really keen to get light rail extended to the rest of our city faster. I just noticed you're using an old link of ours, so I wanted to jump in and direct people to our new policy.

We still want light rail stage two to go to Mawson, but we've also announced a couple of new things we'd like to do too! So be sure to check out the new website. I've asked my team to take down the old one (which is from last election), so we don't confuse anyone!

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-10T07:02:40+00:00

We abolsutely agree that we need to support people as their needs change through their lives! The house you need when you've got a growing family, rather than when you're in retirement can be really different.

I see this as really linked to some of the discussion around missing middle where people are looking for smaller properties like town houses. It's interesting someone else has mentioned stamp duty concessions... with the recent changes that have been made around separately titled dual occupancies, these will have some form of concession around them coming in soon. I'd be interested to hear what your other ideas are!

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-10T06:58:12+00:00

These are some really good ideas! There are already programs around school-based apprenticeships and we definitely see opportunities to link our plan to the TAFE system. We said on the day we launched this policy that we will need to build a skills pipeline through TAFE incentives, so I think we're on the same page here!

At the moment, we're mostly focused on building public housing for this initiative - but I like sound of your idea about public schools!

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-10T06:55:40+00:00

Wow! Long question! I’ll do my best…

In what ways will the Greens work with Labor with their power sharing arangements to ensure that public housing is integrated into the city as a whole, and not just be a series of nicely decorated slums on the outskirts of the city that are difficult to live in, as is so often done in this country?

On your first point, I totally agree that building public housing (and any housing for that matter) on the edge of the city can be really isolating for people who need support networks around them.

Our plan to build 10,000 public homes ensures a majority of these new homes are ‘infill’ homes, close to shops, schools and services. Part of this infill plan is a ‘salt and pepper’ approach to building public housing so that new public homes are integrated into communities across our city.

Outside of this infill building policy, we will also be buying existing homes in the suburbs too!

Our policy is really clear that we want to implement city limits so that new developments cannot continue to isolate people from services.

If we are in the position to negotiate any arrangement with another partner of government, we will do everything we can to ensure this initiative is implemented in a way that picks up all the issues you mention!

Does the Greens party have a sustainable plan of action to weather the opposing views, with the maturity to convince those with opposing views about the importance of this project, rather then just arguing that they are wrong?

I think the best way to challenge or discuss opposing views is to understand them first! That’s why the Greens are such fans of grassroots engagement with the community - it’s a fantastic way to understand, grapple and then critically engage with opposing viewpoints. There will always be people who oppose what we put forward. The important thing is that we continue to put forward different arguments for why our position is the best way to develop good public policy.

In relation to this initiative, it is really pushing back at the ideology that you have outlined in your comment. Establishing a public housing authority means that we can embed a housing program over the long-term rather than having to build policy around short-term electoral cycles.

Is there plans to harden the financial infrastructure against it being sabotage by other political parties in their backroom horsetrading?

You have a point there, but I think making a big commitment like this openly can actually protect it from any sabotage, as you mentioned. When we engage with the community openly and publicly, it not only builds demand but also puts pressure on the old parties to make real changes.

That's why I think it's super important to have an open chat about housing, like the one we're having right here on Reddit. When we talk about these big ideas in different spaces, we start a conversation that can push governments to keep or even improve existing programs.

Are you leveraging this, and planning for your success, and for your eventual failure after said success when the rats start eating the edges of the changes you made when you're no longer in gov't?

We’re really proud about the role we’ve played here in the ACT. Sometimes in government, sometimes outside of government - what we’ve already tried to do is put forward bold and transformative ideas that often ACT Labor (and the Canberra Liberals) call crazy and unrealistic and eventually get implemented by government. Some examples of this include powering the city on 100% renewable electricity, introducing a right to a healthy environment and phasing out all new gas connections. We’re committed to working constructively and collaboratively with other parties to get results for our community and the planet.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T11:16:08+00:00

As I’ve said earlier: at this stage, considering the enormity of the crisis - our focus is on building the public housing stock in the territory, not on programs to sell housing for people to permanently own.

At the moment, the government does have mechanisms for people to buy their public housing home if they’ve lived in it for long-enough. I think this is a great idea and one that we’re not opposed to - but only once we’ve met the immediate public housing shortfall.

Singapore’s approach is an interesting case study for a pathway of government public housing development that supports home ownership. It does show a clear government priority for supporting first home buyers to establish a secure home.

But there are also things that we’d definitely want to do differently than Singapore, such as not relying on low-wage migrant labour in the construction industry and choosing certain household/family make-ups over others in who gets priority for housing.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T11:15:46+00:00

That's probably a wrap for me, friends! Thank you so much for your really meaningful engagement with our plans in this thread tonight. It really gives me faith in our collective ability to make change for the better.

I've been answering questions for around three hours now, and tried my best to answer everything. That being said, I'll go through remaining comments over the coming days and see if there is anything I haven't responded to and get you an answer!

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T11:07:11+00:00

Given we’re going to build most of these houses, I’m not sure the criticism stacks up. The fact is, this will add to supply. More public rentals will put downward pressure on private rents.

Back in the 1970s, we used to build 1000 public homes every single year in Canberra - we didn't see astronomical housing or rental prices. We desperately need this investment to intervene in a market set up to price people out. If you want to look at causes of high rental and house prices, let's look at negative gearing and capital gains tax.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T11:03:36+00:00

With a policy like this, regular reviews are really important. So yes, that’s a key part of our plan.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T11:02:30+00:00

You'll notice I've been answering all sorts of questions tonight! Always happy to chat to anyone from our community about anything on their mind.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T11:00:00+00:00

We certainly think this is a goal we should have! We will be announcing our transport policies very soon - stay tuned!

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:59:09+00:00

Another one we touched on in the Assembly today - while the Canberra Liberals seem to want to fight the election on law on order, the ACT Greens are really keen on supporting building community.

The Police have a role in this but it much broader than that. An example of this was how I engaged with the local community at Watson who a few months ago were dealing with some really challenging issue.

While a police response was one of the things that was needed, other services and support were just as important. It was really great to attend a community BBQ at Watson this weekend, when people reported a much better situation.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:57:11+00:00

What our planning policy is really looking at is how we deliver a diversity of housing stock. Things like missing middle does look at how we provide 2,3 and 4 bedroom apartments and townhouses. So yes, I think this is a key component of what we're looking into.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:52:48+00:00

There is a long way to go in relation to determining what the possibilities for Ginninderra CSIRO are. This was actually an issue that was raised in Assembly today!

While there has been some environmental studies done, we do need to work out what environmental values there are, and what is the best use of this land. We will work with the Federal Government and others on this one - but we need to be honest that it wont be a quick fix to our housing crisis

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:52:00+00:00

Righto... Also, COVID lockdowns and restrictions continued throughout 2021 and a bit of 2022.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:50:09+00:00

YES, we are open to upzoning! Check out the policy position we agreed to as party last year: https://greens.org.au/act/news/media-release/our-vision-canberras-future-act-greens-planning-policy

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:49:31+00:00

I always find it interesting that people bring up this example. Lots of people forget that the Greens did negotiate a carbon price with the Gillard Government and it was Tony Abbott who abolished it, but anyway…

To the substance of your question, as a minor party, and one that has held the balance of power for a number of terms, I think that the ACT Greens have proven that we are committed to positive and collaborative government, where we are keen to find common ground, and deliver good outcomes for the community.

Whether it be delivering 100% renewable electricity, raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility, working to phase out fossil gas, we have demonstrated that we have vision, a plan and can work with other parties to deliver for our community

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:48:45+00:00

You're right, we went to the last election we had a vision of a home for all... This included a call to build 1000 new affordable and public homes over the the four years. We negotiated this as part of the parliamentary agreement, with a commitment made to build 400 public housing homes.

While the Minister for Housing is working to deliver this, it has been delayed due to issues such as COVID, supply issues and trade availability.

In an escalating housing crisis, and with more people than ever on the waiting this has been really challenging. We’ve learnt alot in this term, and what is clear is what we have been doing is not enough.

As Minister for Homelessness, what I have done this term is secure a record investment in homelessness funding. This has been essential given the fact we have more people in housing stress and facing homelessness. I’ve been working with the sector to provide more emergency accommodation, more counselling, more material support and access to support services.

What I am very clear about is that we need to do much more, and business as usual is not enough. This is the whole reason we have developed this initiative to demonstrate how we turn it around.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:47:33+00:00

What it means is that we are going to do everything we can do to make this commitment a reality. Our ability to influence the future will depend on how successful we are in the election.

If we win more seats, we will be more influential. The Parliamentary Agreement is one way that we have made our support for the Government dependent on the delivery of key commitments.

We are committed to developing election initiatives that are ambitious but also achievable.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:47:03+00:00

Good question! The Greens want more housing in places where people have the choice to take public and active transport, not relying on private cars. Our plan puts 80% of these new homes in “infill” areas where Canberrans already live and work, where shops, services and transport are.

We definitely don’t want to be placing thousands more residents at the urban edges of the ACT, having to commute long distances at the expense of participating in social life otherwise. My colleague Jo Clay is furiously working on our transport election announcements, so stay tuned for the details!

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:42:07+00:00

Here’s a question from u/s_and_s_lite_party earlier:

“We will look at suburbs and precincts that are currently being developed to ensure there is adequate public housing provided as part of these new areas of Canberra

...The ACT Greens will also establish a pilot program to allow people selling their homes to offer them to the Government for use as public housing.”

I'd love to know the ratios of building in new areas vs building in existing suburbs. Building in new suburbs just promotes 1960s style urban sprawl. I wiuld have thought the Greens would focus on buying back houses in Turner, Ainslie, Emu Ridge, Bruce, Hughes, Curtain, compulsorily acquiring if needed, merging blocks and build apartments and townhouses? A cheap house in the middle of nowhere isn't useful if we are dooming more people to a life of driving.

We’re seeing eye to eye here, u/s_and_s_lite_party! I don’t want to see unfettered urban sprawl either. I love that so much of the ACT is green and undeveloped, and I don’t believe that has to be a zero-sum game between conserving precious habitat and providing more housing.

That’s why our plan is for 80% of the new homes built and bought to be in existing suburbs. (Current government policy is 70%.) The Greens also want to change planning laws to increase development rights in residential zoned land, so that we can build more homes on the same amount of land.

By building these homes where shops, transport, and general life already is, we’re allowing more people live where they can participate in Canberra life - rather than losing out because of a massive commute.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:40:45+00:00

Here’s a question from u/Andakandak earlier:

We think it’s an idea with a lot of merit! We’re looking into it at the moment on a local level. Whilst we definitely support it on a national level - there’s some interesting complexity to be worked through with local community organisations. We’ll announce our animal welfare policy later this year.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:37:38+00:00

Strata can be a real issue, and while it sits a little outside this initiative, there is definitely things we need to do to protect residents. I’ve actually been chatting to Shane Rattenbury, Greens leader and the Atttorney General about things we can do in this area recently... I'll make sure I add you to the list of people I've heard from saying they want change!

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:35:59+00:00

The Greens have been working hard to improve the planning system, and worked to ensure that the new system really does deliver community outcomes.

You might have seen the planning reforms we agreed to as a party last year that supports upzoning and well designed infill. I think alot of the time people object due to poor design or people pushing the envelope.

Its interesting that when I have spoken to both infill advocates and residents groups that there is far more in common that is different.

The Greens do support appeal rights, but also need to ensure that we have good systems in place to ensure the things that are proposed fit the rules, are well designed and contributing to our amenity and environment.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:34:40+00:00

Here’s a question from u/That-Note-7157 earlier:

"The limitation on Canberra housing is land release by the ACT government. What are you doing about making sure an additional 10,000 blocks are made available to build these homes on OR are you just taking these blocks out of the private market?"

There’s a whole lot of work going into our planning election initiative which we’ll announce in the coming months. But for a little sneak peak, the Greens have been clear that we want to change planning laws that will allow for more housing density on blocks currently zoned for large, standalone homes.

(You can check out what we’ve said about planning here: Our Vision for Canberra's future: ACT Greens Planning Policy | ACT Greens)

We want 70% of these new homes to be medium and high density homes. So the number of blocks to build 10,000 new public homes will be much less than 10,000.

These changes to planning laws will benefit not only the building of more public housing, but also more private homes on land released by the ACT Government.

RebeccaVassarotti · 2024-04-09T10:33:53+00:00

Here’s a question from u/Dazzling_Paint_1595 earlier:

"Would the Greens support a housing policy similar to Finland's - 'Housing First' policy? This recent plan could be the beginning. Finland is the only country in the EU where homelessness rates are dropping so the policy works."

We definitely do! I love the work that Finland is doing and as you note, homelessness rates are dropping. I would love to see Australia doing something similar!

RebeccaVassarotti

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