Citizens' agenda: Locals with nowhere to live need more support
We ask the candidates for Barker at the 2025 federal election how they would increase housing affordability and availability in the Murraylands.
Housing was by far the biggest issue in Murray Bridge News' 2022 citizens' agenda and for the 2025 federal election it still remains high in the priority list.
Sixteen years ago Sarah Shirley moved to Murray Bridge and has seen the problem rising ever since.
As a homeowner she's grateful because she understands there are limited houses and rentals with high prices in the Murraylands.
Rentals in her area have nearly doubled in price since she bought her home a few years ago, she said.
"It's a big chunk out of someone's pay... and there's limited social housing.
"I know the government are building houses but we need them now," Ms Shirley said.
How are we meant to offer support services to people affected by homelessness, like Ac care, if we have no resources to provide, she questioned.
It's also a concern as she watches her children grow into adults, if they will ever be able to have a place they can call their own.
"My children probably won't be owning their own homes unless they inherit mine because it's just beyond a lot of people.
"I sort of worry what we're leaving for our children."
Ms Shirley wants to see an increase in local public housing, maybe even a cap on rents.
One thing the community is good at is supporting each other, she said.
"A lot of people are willing to help... when you have support things are better, you can turn to somebody" she said.
Peri Strathearn
"It breaks my heart to see people living in cars and tents," one respondent from Murray Bridge News' 2025 citizens' agenda shared.
Another said they rate local housing and infrastructure at the top of the list: "We need investment in new development in our region, it gives us a great opportunity for future growth."
One questioned how young people will be able to afford to buy a home on a modest wage.
"A clear case of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer with the housing investors pricing people out of the market," another said.
How would you increase housing availability and affordability in our region, and offer more support to people with nowhere to live?
Tony Pasin (Liberal)
Australia is facing a housing crisis and after nearly three years of Labor inaction, the great Australian dream of home ownership has never felt further out of reach.
The Liberal Party acknowledges this reality and has announced new housing policies to boost housing supply and restore hope to the Australians chasing the great Australian dream.
We will deliver affordable homes and boost supply by:
- funding critical infrastructure like water, power, sewerage and access roads for new homes
- assisting first home buyers and older women to access part of their super for a deposit
- freezing red tape and compliance that increases the burden for new housing projects and drives up costs for purchasers
- reducing migration and placing a two year ban on foreign investors and temporary residents buying existing homes in Australia; and
- tackling union corruption which is continuing to drive up building costs.
Only a Liberal government will get our country back on track.
Ian Penno (independent)
Murray Bridge News has sought comment from Mr Penno.
Jonathan Pietzsch (Nationals)
The Nationals have announced that we will unlock up to 500,000 new homes by investing $5 billion to fund essential infrastructure like water, power, and sewerage at housing development sites.
This will be particularly beneficial in regional areas where the base infrastructure is often the impediment to unlocking land for housing.
The cost to build a house has gotten out of hand pretty quickly over the last few years, the Nationals will freeze any further changes to the National Construction Code for ten years.
This should ensure that builders aren’t faced with increased red tape when trying to build and will stop increases in costs related to compliance.
I’d like to see some innovative thinking around small houses and properties that can be stepping stones in home ownership.
A block of land in the regions is affordable, and streamlining the process of putting a small home on land could be a good way to get people in to their first home..
James Rothe (Labor)
Murray Bridge News has sought comment from Mr Rothe.
Cody Scholes (independent)
Murray Bridge News has sought comment from Mr Scholes.
Robert Jameson (Trumpet of Patriots)
With regard to housing affordability the Trumpet of Patriots (ToP) will allow people to access part of their superannuation funds for purchasing a house.
This will help young couples who are having trouble getting the deposit together when applying for a bank loan.
The ToP will also put a cap of 3.5% interest on all home loans.
Michael Brohier (Family First)
Having your own home - with a BBQ out the back and plenty of room for backyard cricket on Christmas Day, that’s the Australian dream.
To help the people of Barker achieve that dream, Family First will push for the government to release Commonwealth land in South Australia for housing.
This will increase housing supply and make housing more affordable.
If elected, I will hold the government accountable to its commitment to provide 10,000 affordable homes to Australians over the next five years.
I will also support people with nowhere to live by making sure the people of Barker have access to grants for affordable housing promised under the National Housing Accord.
I will also work hard to reduce energy prices by utilising natural gas.
This will decrease the cost of living and make it easier for families to save for their first home, and to achieve that Australian dream.”
Rosa Hillam
To tackle housing and homelessness in Barker, we need more affordable housing, especially in areas like the Coorong.
This can be achieved through government investment and private incentives.
Expanding support services for at-risk individuals, including mental health, substance abuse, and employment programs, is also crucial.
Strengthening rent assistance, updating tenancy laws to protect vulnerable renters, and introducing rent capping are key steps.
Additionally, removing negative gearing on investment properties would help reduce housing speculation and make homes more accessible.
Tailoring policies to the unique needs of rural communities will ensure lasting solutions.
Together, we can improve housing outcomes in Barker.
Major Sumner (Greens)
Housing is a human right and in a wealthy country like ours, everyone should have a secure home.
The Greens have a comprehensive plan to tackle the housing crisis by stopping unlimited rent increases, bringing down mortgages, phasing out tax handouts and building public and affordable homes.
In Barker, where housing costs are soaring, this will bring much-needed relief.
If we stop tinkering around the edges we can end homelessness in Australia – by building enough public housing, adequately funding homelessness services and the wrap-around supports we need to break the cycle of recurring homelessness.
We’ll fund this by taxing big banks and ending unfair tax breaks for wealthy investors.
It’s time to put people before profits and ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.
To learn more about the Greens' housing policies, visit our 2025 platform page here.
Murray Bridge News will be hosting an election forum at the Bridgeport Hotel, Murray Bridge from 7pm on Monday, April 28.
All of Murray Bridge News’ election coverage is free to read, but you can help us cover our costs, and keep local voters informed, by making a donation.
