New Government, Same Housing Challenge for Qld

Housing will remain a focus in the Sunshine State, with the newly elected Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealing a revamped cabinet and portfolios. 

The reshuffle has led to Sam O’Connor being announced as the Minister for Housing and Public Works while David Janetzki was sworn in as Treasurer and Minister for Home Ownership.

Jarrod Bleijie has taken on the Deputy Premier role as well as Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, while Tim Mander will grapple with the Sport and Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games portfolio. 

Crisafulli said he and his team were ready to “deliver a fresh start for Queenslanders”.

“We will hit the ground running to deliver the change our State needs,” he said. 

Industry has welcomed news of the freshly sworn-in cabinet. 

REIQ chief executive Antonia Mercorella said it was good to see housing remained a priority despite a change in government in the Sunshine State. 

“When you consider how diluted the ‘great Australian dream’ has become for ordinary Queenslanders, and how essential shelter is for every one of us—a plan to bring hope back to housing must take focus,” Mercorella said. 

▲ The new Queensland cabinet was sworn-in at Government House.

“Given the urgency of our housing crisis, there won’t be any time to rest on our laurels.

“With Queensland in the spotlight as we approach the Olympics, housing solutions for vulnerable communities are integral to the plan, as are solutions that boost home ownership levels and ease rental pressures.”

Property Council of Australia’s Queensland executive director Jess Caire said when Premier Crisafulli addressed a Property Council lunch earlier this year he said industry and government must work together. 

“There has never been a more important time for collaboration and meaningful reform; reform that resuscitates our ailing housing supply, policy and tax settings that adopt a ‘do no harm’ approach to industry, and infrastructure provisions that keep pace with population growth and planning schemes,” Caire said. 

“The new ministry must hit the ground running with the next 100 days being pivotal to setting the tone and priorities for government.

“While our housing is the most pressing challenge, we can’t lose sight of the important role the broader property sector in delivering for the future of Queensland.”