A blueprint for real reform - it’s time

Now, as never before, public housing, infrastructure development and urban consolidation need to be on the “political radar” of all parties. While a “first home buyers grant” could feed into a housing bubble and further appreciation of property prices (as has occurred under the Coalition government), an increase in supply led by the public sector could lead to a much-needed correction in the market.

While some would stand to lose from a relative reduction in property prices, we need to consider those for whom home ownership or rental affordability have become an “impossible dream”. The conservatives, so far, have suggested a willingness to invest more than $4 billion in public housing in the next 10 years. The plan envisages the provision of as much as 37,000 new public housing units.

In response, Labor needs a plan of its own: preferably one which increases public housing stock as swiftly as possible. Given the scenario, it is not unreasonable to suppose Labor ought to trump the conservatives, doubling the commitment to $8 billion: funded through public borrowings, and implemented as soon as is possible.

Finally, all political parties need to plan now for the prospect of an ageing population, with the associated drop in labour market participation and government revenue, and increase in pensions, health and aged care costs.

All aged Australians ought to be able to receive quality care. Nurse to patient ratios need to be managed and improved, while nursing home and hostel environs should properly provide for privacy and quality of life. Ideally, all nursing homes and hostels ought to include gardens, single rooms, quality meals, the opportunity for outings, activities and access to communication technology - private phones, Internet access and so on.

Ultimately, such an investment must involve either an increase in the “user pays” component, or otherwise a lift in progressive taxation. Rather than “sorting us out in our twilight years” on the basis of ability to pay, the tax base needs now to be broadened in anticipation of future needs.

The “phoney war” of the past few months is now swiftly drawing to a close. It is to be hoped, then, that as the “real war” commences that policies of vision and depth are brought before the electorate. As the real election campaign gathers steam, it is up to voters to hold governments, politicians and parties accountable.

Policy convergence and opportunism provide no way forward in the face of those challenges confronting our nation. It is to be hoped that this contribution will in some way inform a vital and much-needed debate.