In the lead up to the ACT budget next week Canberra Liberals Leader and Shadow Treasurer Elizabeth Lee has hit out at the Labor-Greens government for continually failing to deliver on public housing budget announcements.

Ms Lee said $699 million was allocated to Public Housing Renewal across three budget periods from 2015-2018, however only $80.871 million of that money was appropriated through to 2020.

“The Labor-Greens government is very good at spin and announcements but continually fails to deliver,” Ms Lee said.

“A $629 million shortfall in public housing delivery is significant and highlights one of the reasons Canberra is in a housing crisis.

“The gap between what has been announced with much fanfare by this government for public housing in previous budgets to what has been delivered is staggering; Labor along with the Greens should be ashamed of themselves.

“This government needs to be upfront with Canberrans and explain why these budget promises have not been met and what impact that has had on the public housing stock and vulnerable Canberrans who are being left behind,” Ms Lee concluded.

Shadow Minister for Housing Mark Parton said it is no surprise Canberrans are waiting up to four years to secure public housing.

“Between 2011 and 2021 public housing dwellings have fallen 1.8 per cent while in the same period population has grown 21.8 per cent,” Mr Parton said.

“These figures show, the Labor-Greens government, who have been in power for over 20 years have failed to adequately plan for the future of Canberra when it comes to public housing.

“My office is continually inundated with emails and phone calls from people who are desperate and unable to secure housing.

“This Labor-Greens government has failed to adequately stock the public housing market and as a result waiting lists are increasing at a rapid rate.

“While we don’t disagree with the premise of the current public housing relocation program, the implementation has been woeful and at times heartless from a government that has no interest in governing for lower income Canberrans,” Mr Parton concluded.