The decision by the Chief Minister to create a new position in his Directorate known as the coordinator general for housing is an admission that he does not trust the two ministers responsible for housing in the ACT.

Canberra Liberals Leader and Shadow Minister for Housing Affordability and Choice Elizabeth Lee said this is a clear signal from the Chief Minister that he has clearly lost confidence in his ministers to address the housing crisis.

“The fact that this new position will be within the Chief Ministers own Directorate is a clear indication he has lost confidence in both housing ministers and is making sure he takes control over what is happening. If he does not trust his ministers, he should tell them to go,” Ms Lee said.

“While the Canberra Liberals are open to any measures that address the housing crisis in the ACT, let’s remember that the housing issues that are facing Canberrans have been exacerbated by the delineate decisions of the Labor-Greens government.

“For over 20 years they have had the opportunity, the time, the resources and the power to be able to make a real difference when it comes to housing, particularly for Canberrans who are doing it tough.

“The Chief Minister is wedded to an infill policy that is designed to push more Canberrans into apartments whether they like it or not. The Canberra Liberals have long supported genuine choice and real and practical solutions to address housing affordability.”

Ms Lee said the Canberra Liberals have been drawing a lot of attention to the failures of this government when it comes to housing affordability and choice.

“The priorities that have been outlined for this new position, are the exact priorities that the Canberra Liberals have been calling for.

“We have repeatedly called out the inadequate land release program and that the Labor-Grens government is not even meeting their own already low targets.

“My focus is on ensuring Canberrans have genuine choice when it comes to housing and that a local government can exercise whatever levers within our control to do what we can to ensure that every Canberran has the opportunity to live in their own home,” Ms Lee concluded.