Federal Election 2013 Key Issues: Responses
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The Australian Institute of Architects has
identified the following key issues as priorities
for the architectural profession, as summarised
Federal Election 2013
in this document.
During the 2013 federal election campaign,
we surveyed each major political party about
Key Issues: Responses
these issues. Their responses are faithfully
replicated in the document as at 29 August
2013 and we provide this for the information
of the Institute’s membership.1.Sustainable Communities
Australia is a highly urbanised nation – and as our major towns and cities develop, we face a Many of our important buildings (such as our parliaments, town halls, museums, schools and
number of key challenges. From climate change, population growth and an ageing demographic, hospitals) are key social and institutional buildings and because they’re often government-built,
to an increasing demand for infrastructure, housing affordability pressures and traffic congestion, it’s important that governments support high quality architectural design that addresses the
our cities need the right strategies, policies and processes in place to create a built environment urban challenges we face.
that can sustain us into the future.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s view on creating an The Labor Government believes the key to Many of the matters that the Institute has The Australian Greens support this position.
Australian Minister for Cities position? addressing the biggest challenges in our cities referred to regarding local planning and design
is transport. That is why the Federal Minister for are within the exclusive purview of States and
Infrastructure and Transport (and now Deputy Prime Local Governments.
Minister) Anthony Albanese has the Major Cities
Improving our long term planning is important
Unit within his department. The added benefit of
to sustainable communities and to making our
this arrangement is that a Cabinet minister has
cities, towns and regional centres more enjoyable
considerable capacity to make change.
places for our work and recreation.
INSTITUTE UPDATE: Subsequent to receiving
A Coalition Government will adopt a practical,
the above response, on 30 August the Prime
balanced and sustainable approach to environmental
Minister announced that ‘a re-elected Rudd
issues based on linking sound scientific findings
Labor Government will appoint Australia’s first
with the needs of all users resulting in more
Minister for Cities and establish an Outer Suburban
sustainable commercial activities and better
Growth Taskforce to develop a comprehensive
environmental outcomes.
Ten Year Jobs and Growth strategy for our cities
outer suburbs”. More information on the ALP We also recognise that a stronger economy is
announcement is available here. crucial to supporting environmental restoration,
lowering carbon emissions and developing cleaner
technologies.
While we will not be establishing a Minister for
What is your party’s position on establishing Cross-departmental and cross-governmental Cities, the responsibility for such matters is The Australian Greens support this position.
a Department for Cities and Urban forums already exist to ensure that the future part of the Shadow Minister for Climate Action,
Development? and wellbeing of our cities are considered Environment and Heritage, who is committed to
in all departmental decisions. Assigning the the 30 and 50 year plans for our cities.
responsibility for cities to the Department of
Infrastructure and Transport ensures that cities The Coalition has proposed establishing an
are considered as part of transport planning. In Integrated Planning Commission to bring together
addition, through the Standing Committee on the three levels of Government so we can undertake
Transport and Infrastructure, broader planning that long term planning. It would address issues
issues affecting for our cities are considered such as infrastructure, green space, and urban
alongside transport matters. density. It must be done with the co-operation
of the major cities, local councils and the State
Governments, since planning laws rest with them,
not the Federal Government.1.Sustainable Communities cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s position on supporting The Rudd Labor Government is committed to See answer on previous page. The Greens strongly support COAG’s strategic
the implementation of COAG’s capital city supporting the implementation of COAG’s capital planning objectives and at the time they were
strategic planning objectives? city planning objectives. They have been a guiding being developed we unsuccessfully fought to have
sense of principles for Federal Labor in decisions climate (peak oil), water, and urban agricultural
affecting our cities. In addition Federal Labor areas included as objectives.
has asked the National Urban Policy Forum to
formulate a list of indicators that cities can use
to compare their progress from year to year and
with each other.
If re-elected, the Rudd Labor Government would
make this a priority.
What is your party’s position in relation A strategic objective on the COAG list is to The Greens strongly support this position. In
to increasing urban density through good “…provide for planned, sequenced and evidence- March this year Senator Scott Ludlam released
design? based land release and an appropriate balance the Transforming Perth report, collaboration with
of infill and green-fields development.” the Australian Urban Design and Research Centre
and the Property Council, which calculates the
The Rudd Labor Government stands by this
developable land along seven of Perth’s existing
objective, while acknowledging that planning
transport corridors and the potential housing
is the responsibility of local, State and Territory
yield at three different density scenarios. The
authorities.
study found the potential for between 94,000
to 252,000 new dwellings along just seven
hectares. It included 15 key recommendations
for future action, emphasizing the importance
of good design, including the establishment of
an Integrated Design Commission and an Urban
Renewal Commission.
Senator Ludlam would be more than happy to
provide a briefing or presentation to the Australian
Institute of Architects on the study.
The report is available at
http://www.greenswa.net.au/perth2-0.html1.Sustainable Communities cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
How would your party support Australia A further strategic objective on the COAG list See answer on previous page. The Greens will be strongly advocating for the
achieving world-class urban design and is “…encourage world-class urban design and following in the next term of parliament:
architecture? architecture.”
• Increased funding for the National Urban Policy
The Rudd Labor Government supports this unit, with a re-prioritising around world class
objective. That’s why one of the aims under and sustainable urban design and architecture.
our Liveable Cities program has been to fund a
• The introduction of a permanent Livable Cities
series of urban design projects that can stand
fund worth at least $20m per year
as demonstration projects.
• The introduction of Integrated Design
A good example of this is the Tallowwood Affordable
Commissions in each capital city with federal
Housing project in Logan in Brisbane’s south
funding worth at least $10m per year
opened by the Deputy Prime Minister on 26 July
2013. Built in partnership with Logan City Council • Federal support for the establishment of Urban
and Horizon Homes (a non-profit company) the Renewal Commissions in our major cities
six apartment block was built using sustainable
products and has a five-star efficiency rating • Significantly increased funding, resources and
with design that includes appropriate insulation, commitment to the Major Cities Unit
crossventilation and shading. The project has • Identifying world class urban design and
just been awarded the 2013 Urban Development architecture, and precinct scale urban renewal
Institute of Australia Excellence Award. as nation building activities and funding them
accordingly through the Nation Building program
The Greens existing policies on Sustainable
Planning and Transport, and Housing strongly
support world class urban design and are available
at http://greens.org.au/policy-platform
What is your party’s position in relation to Federal Labor has asked the National Urban The Greens strongly welcomed the National Urban
the National Urban Policy and does your Forum to formulate a list of indicators that cities Policy and have been following its implementation
party intend to complement the Policy with can use to compare their progress from year to closely. Senator Ludlam has asked many questions
evidence based programs that can measure year and with each other. If re-elected, the Rudd about the Policy and programs that have been
urban policy outcomes? Labor Government would make the finalisation introduced as part of it, which we believe have
of this list a priority. been underfunded and would like to see more
support for.
The Rudd Labor Government strongly believes
that all public spending on programs must be You can read Senator Ludlam’s most recent questions
informed by evidence-based policy. The State about the progress of the Policy and its programs here
of Australian Cities reports, now in their fourth http://scott-ludlam.greensmps.org.au/content/
edition, are an excellent way for cities to compare estimates/major-cities-unit-0
progress between cities and within cities over time.2.Design Culture
Architecture epitomises the development of our culture like no other art form. It demonstrates experiences, chosen by the individual, architecture is part of the public realm. Buildings are
our technological advancement and innovation, as well as our cultural ambition. While most ubiquitous. They are inherently part of our lives, and symbols of our time.
other art forms (such as watching a play, reading a book or visiting an exhibition) are ‘optional’
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s position in relation The Rudd Labor Government believes in a national Regarding design matters, we are not in a position For the benefit of our cities and regions, the
to adopting a national architecture approach to promoting quality, responsible and to make a commitment regarding funding for Greens are committed to developing a national
policy developed in consultation with the sustainable design in Australia. the Venice International Architecture Biennale architecture policy in consultation with the
architectural profession? 2014. If elected, the Coalition would be pleased architectural profession.
That’s why architects are represented on the
to meet with representatives of your Institute to
Federal Labor Government’s Urban Policy Forum
discuss the matter further.
by Mr David Parken, CEO of the Australian Institute
of Architect and by Mr Robert Morris-Nunn, As the Institute observes, buildings are inherently
Adjunct Professor in the School of Architecture, part of the public realm.
University of Tasmania.
A Coalition Government, if elected, will recognise
Since June 2012, the immediate past President of the work of hundreds of local historical and
the Australian Institute of Architects, Ms Shelley heritage groups across Australia with a new $1.4
Penn, has been Chair of the National Capital million Community Heritage Grants programme.
Authority, managing the strategic planning,
This programme is in addition to existing community
promotion, development and enhancement of
heritage funding.
Canberra as the national capital.
What is your party’s position in relation to the The Rudd Labor Government supports the The Greens believe preserving our cultural heritage
sustainable preservation of cultural heritage preservation of Australia’s national heritage, in the built environment is essential to keep our
in the built environment? including in the built environment, through history grounded in the present. When negotiating
established heritage processes. Each year, the the stimulus package following the GFC, the
Minister for Heritage invites nominations to the Greens ensured $60 million would be directed
National and Commonwealth Heritage Lists. towards funding the urgent maintenance and
Nominations must set out the qualities or values conservation of the 250 national heritage listed
of the place that makes it outstanding to the properties and community heritage properties.
nation by indicating how the place meets one We will continue to work to ensure the slide in
or more of the heritage criteria. heritage funding does not continue as it did
prior to the GFC.
If compliant, nominations will be referred to the
Australian Heritage Council. The Council will then
investigate the nomination, undertake public
consultation and advise the Minister for Heritage
of the merits of the nomination. The Minister for
Heritage will make the final decision.
You can also seek to have Australia’s heritage
protected through State and Territory heritage
organisations.2.Design Culture cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
Would your party commit to Australian The Rudd Labor Government is committed to See answer on previous page. The Greens strongly believe that the apportioning
Government funding of $200,000 working with industry associations to promote of the pool of money provided to the Australia
for Australia’s presence at the Venice sustainable Australian architectural excellence Council should be done independently from
International Architecture Biennale 2014 and where possible. political interference, unlike the Liberal Party. We
2016? (The Australian Government currently have advocated for more money to be available
A re-elected Labor Government would be happy
funds the Venice International Art Biennale in to enhance the cultural value of Australian life and
to work with your organisation to explore the
excess of $1 million per biennale through the we provide our support for a strong Australian
potential for the Venice International Architecture
Australia Council for the Arts). presence at the Venice International Architecture
Biennale to promote Australian architecture.
Biennale in 2014 and 2016.
Would your party commit to Australian Support for the arts is a Labor tradition - we The Greens are committed to our national cultural
Government funding of $100,000 per annum want arts access for all. The Federal Labor institutions. In this Parliament, we were able to
for the Gallery of Australian Design (GAD) in Government has delivered on our commitment to protect these valuable institutions from the Labor
Canberra? give certainty to the arts sector with the release government’s public sector wide budget cuts (the
of Creative Australia – the first national cultural euphemism they use is ‘efficiency dividends’), so
policy in two decades – with $235 million to drive that they could continue to provide the public with
its implementation. their valuable services. We believe the Gallery of
Australian Design should similarly be included as
It is a ten year vision that will see culture and
one of these national cultural institutions alongside
creativity play a central role in our social and
places such as the National Gallery, Australian
economic life which makes sure that all Australians,
Museum and the Film and Sound Archive.
no matter where they live, share in the richness
of our cultural life.
Creative Australia continues the spirit of engagement
with the arts embraced by the Whitlam and
Keating governments.
You might be interested to know that there are
a number of funds available that the Gallery of
Australian Design could apply for through the
Australia Council. A total of $75.3 million in new
funding will be provided for the Australia Council,
an increase of its base funding by around nine
per cent.
Answer continued next page.2.Design Culture cont.
Australian Labor Party
Would your party commit to Australian Federal Labor has also supported the establishment
Government funding of $100,000 per annum of an Australian Design Integration Network that
for the Gallery of Australian Design (GAD) in will develop and promote design led innovation.
Canberra? (continued from previous page) The formation of the network will promote access
to world class design integration programs,
education, skills development and research
opportunities for Australian industry to lift industry
competitiveness.
An additional $8.6 million in new funding will
be provided to Creative Partnerships Australia.
This will enable Creative Partnerships Australia
to establish a funding program for the cultural
sector based on new models of funding, including
micro-loans, crowd sourcing and matched funding
that organisations such as the Gallery of Australian
Design could access.3.Climate Change
We have witnessed a number of extreme weather events around Australia in recent years. The If we are to achieve truly sustainable cities, climate change and energy efficiency in existing and
toll on the community, our built environment and our economy has been significant and long- future buildings must be a focus of urban planning.
lasting. All levels of government, industry, community and other stakeholders need to work
together to enhance the resilience of our built environment and community to extreme weather
events and predicted future climate change impacts.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s position on the Energy efficiency remains a key part of the Rudd The Coalition’s Direct Action Plan to address The Greens strongly disagreed with the Government’s
Australian Sustainable Built Environment Labor Government’s plan for a cleaner energy climate change will provide an incentive for good decision to abandon their commitment to the
Council’s five key energy efficiency policy future and will play a pivotal role in reducing design around energy efficiency. We believe this Tax Breaks for Green Buildings program and will
recommendations? (Eg, tax incentives for greenhouse gas emissions, cutting energy costs will have a significant and positive impact and encourage the next Government to renew efforts
green building retrofits, a national white and boosting productivity. have had discussions with the Property Council to improve building energy efficiency. We recently
certificate scheme, public investment on how the sector can be engaged. announced plans to create a new Energy Savings
Federal Labor has introduced a suite of initiatives
in retrofits, modernisations and higher Agency to, amongst other things, get on with the
to help industry, business and households realise The Coalition supports improvements to energy
standards in the Building Code, and job of designing a national white certificate trading
the benefits of energy efficiency. This includes the efficiency and the Direct Action Plan provides a
enhancing Minimum Energy Performance scheme. Similarly we recently announced plans
establishment of appliance and building standards, significant opportunity to support such initiatives
standards. to build 7,000 new homes nationally to address
regulation for the disclosure of energy efficiency with a financial incentive.
See www.asbec.asn.au for more details) homelessness, and we are calling for 50 per cent
ratings, targeted information programs and the
We will work through the COAG process and of these to be modular homes built to a 9 star
provision of grants.
in cooperation with the States on how we can rating. The Greens also support more stringent
Throughout Australia, the Equipment Energy improve and streamline energy efficiency reporting Building Code and MEP standards.
Efficiency (E3) Program is improving the energy requirements.
The Greens ‘New Deal for Renters’ initiative
efficiency of appliances and equipment in the
introduces a $100m per year retrofitting scheme
residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
for Australia’s private rental stock, and would
By using national Minimum Energy Performance
introduce a new national standard for rental
Standards and Energy Rating Labels, the E3
properties and renters rights.
Program enables households and businesses
to make better informed decisions about the
ongoing energy costs relating to everyday
purchases such as computers, televisions, air
conditioners and dishwashers. This is estimated
to deliver cumulative energy savings equal to
around $22.4 billion by 2024. A re-elected Rudd
Labor Government will continue to work with the
States and Territories to incrementally improve
standards and expand the program to additional
products into the future.
In the commercial office marketplace, the Federal
Government continues to ensure that clear and
credible information is available to potential
buyers and tenants through the Commercial
Building Disclosure (CBD) Program. Since the
CBD Program started in 2010, more than 2,000
Building Energy Efficiency Certificates (BEECs)
have been issued, covering over 10 million square
metres of commercial office space.
Answer continued next page.3.Climate Change cont.
Australian Labor Party
What is your party’s position on the BEECs provide an energy efficiency assessment of
Australian Sustainable Built Environment a large office space when it is sold or leased. This
Council’s five key energy efficiency policy includes a National Australian Built Environment
recommendations? (Eg, tax incentives for Rating System (NABERS) Energy for Offices rating
green building retrofits, a national white as well as an assessment of the lighting, recognising
certificate scheme, public investment that lighting can contribute more than a quarter
in retrofits, modernisations and higher of power use in an office. By incentivising simple
standards in the Building Code, and changes such as the installation of sensors and
enhancing Minimum Energy Performance timers for lighting, this program is delivering
(continued from previous page) standards. energy savings and reducing greenhouse gas
See www.asbec.asn.au for more details) emissions with a relatively low capital outlay.
Federal Labor is also providing over $200 million
in grant funding, enabled by revenue from the
carbon price, to support practical, cost effective
energy efficiency upgrades and information.
In addition, Federal Labor continues to support
households in making energy efficient improvements
through its Living Greener and Your Homes
websites.
In regard to a white certificate scheme, the Federal
Labor Government welcomed the release of
the Energy Savings Initiative Information Paper
on 26 July 2013. The Government is currently
considering the final paper and will respond in
due course following stakeholder feedback. Any
decision to implement a national scheme would
be conditional on the agreement of Council of
Australian Governments and all existing state
schemes being abolished.3.Climate Change cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
Will your party commit to action aligned The Rudd Labor Government accepts that some See answer on previous page. The Greens are committed to action aligned with
with the ASBEC Climate Change Adaptation impacts of climate change are unavoidable and the ASBEC’s ten-point policy framework Climate
Framework? we must prepare for them. Adapting to climate Change Adaptation Framework.
(see www.asbec.asn.au for the Framework) change requires that governments, businesses
We agree that the Government is insufficiently
and planners make informed decisions.
focused on risk mitigation. According to the
That is why the Federal Labor Government has Insurance Australia Group one dollar spent on
supported Australian science and research by risk mitigation can save at least two dollars in
investing over $120 million in climate adaptation recovery costs, yet Australian Government spending
research through the National Climate Change on mitigation initiatives represents around only
Adaptation Research Facility, the Bushfire and 3 per cent of what it spends on post-disaster
Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre, recovery and reconstruction.
the CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship and
Recently the Greens announced plans to increase
Griffith University’s Climate Change Adaptation
spending on the National Disaster Resilience
Information Hub.
Program from around $50 million to around $350
Federal Labor is also making targeted investments million per year. We would also ensure projects
in infrastructure to reduce the impact of natural are appropriately prioritised and targeted by a
disasters. For example, the Federal Labor Government appointing a National Resilience Advisor and
has invested $100 million through the National establishing a National Resilience Advisory Group.
Insurance Affordability Initiative in targeted flood Further we would remove the existing limitation
and other natural disaster mitigation measures. that the Commonwealth will contribute up to only
50% of the cost of a project, in recognition of
Federal Labor has also recently released the
the fact that some state and local governments
Climate Adaptation Outlook: A Proposed
will be unable to match the Commonwealth’s
National Adaptation Assessment Framework.
spending power.
This report proposes a framework to assess
progress in adapting to the impacts of climate A wide range of measures are supported by the
change, including in the built environment. It National Disaster Resilience Program, including
will help shape the response that is needed by for example, investment in disaster resilient
business, government and communities. I would public infrastructure; risk management studies
encourage you and other interested parties and mitigation strategies; the development of
to provide comments to the Department of nationally consistent data collection and analysis
Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, and nationally consistent post-disaster evaluation;
Research and Tertiary Education (please email: and land and building purchase schemes in high-
adaptationoutlook@innovation.gov.au). risk areas. Beyond this, however, the Greens are
also supportive of regulatory improvements as
This is in stark contrast to the Coalition who
identified be ABSEC.
have no policy commitments on climate change
adaptation, don’t take climate change seriously
and have no plan to deal with its impacts, Federal
Labor understands that we must respond to the
impacts of climate change that we cannot avoid.
A re-elected Rudd Labor Government will continue
to work with communities, business groups and
all levels of government to ensure an effective
response.3.Climate Change cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
Will your party support current COAG activity The building sector is a significant contributor and See answer on previous page. While the Greens are very supportive of a
for a national approach to energy efficiency one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse national approach to energy efficiency standard
standard setting, assessment and ratings gas emissions. Energy used in buildings accounts setting, assessment and ratings activity in the
activity in the built environment? for approximately 20% of all energy related built environment, we have little confidence in
GHG emissions. Consequently the industry has the ability of COAG to drive progressive policy
an extremely important role in contributing to development or implementation. Many important
the abatement of Australia's GHG emissions and commitments, for example mandatory disclosure
in delivering economic, as well as social and of residential building energy, greenhouse and
environmental benefits to the community. water performance at the time of sale or lease
or the phase-out of inefficient hot water systems
The Rudd Labor Government is committed to a
remain partially implemented at best.
national approach to energy efficient standard
setting, assessment and ratings activity in the The Greens view is that COAG is often used by both
built environment. the Commonwealth and State Governments as a
convenient excuse for inaction, but that ultimately
That’s why under Federal Labor in 2009 the
the buck should stop with the Commonwealth
Council of Australian Governments agreed to
Government. If the Commonwealth gives any
the development of a National Building Energy
issue sufficient priority it can often drive a reform
Standard-Setting, Assessment and Rating
agenda even when the States are resistant.
Framework (the Framework). The Framework
is intended to drive significant improvement in
Australia’s building stock through establishing a
pathway for future increases in minimum building
standards to 2020, and improving the approach
to assessing and rating buildings.
The Select Council on Climate Change (SCCC),
which COAG has tasked to manage the National
Strategy on Energy Efficiency, released the draft
strategy for public consultation in 2012 and is
currently considering the further development of
the Framework in light of the comments received
from this consultation and any COAG or SCCC
review of government energy efficiency activities.
A re-elected Rudd Labor Government would
continue to drive the progress of this important
initiative.3.Climate Change cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What targets does your party commit to for Under Federal Labor Australia has pledged to See answer on previous page. The Greens retain the view that Australia should
greenhouse gas emissions abatement by the community and to our international partners reduce emissions by between 25-40 per cent by
2020 and 2050? that we will reduce emissions by between 5 per 2020, but to depoliticise the fraught process of
cent and 25 per cent on 2000 levels by 2020. setting short and long-term emission targets,
the Greens negotiated the establishment of the
Federal Labor has established the Climate Change
independent Climate Change Authority. The targets
Authority (CCA) to provide expert, independent
it recommends must be guided by the latest
and evidence-based advice on the degree of
climate science and represent a fair contribution
international action and the scope for emissions
to the global emission abatement challenge. The
reductions in Australia. The CCA will release their
Authority will publish draft recommendations
draft ‘Caps and Targets’ Review for consultation
in October.
in October and will provide final advice to the
Government in February 2014.
A re-elected Rudd Labor Government will consider
that advice and then make a final decision on
Australia’s international target.
The Rudd Labor Government has legislated a long
term target to reduce Australia’s carbon pollution
by 80 per cent in 2050 compared with 2000.
The Rudd Labor Government believes renewable
energy a critical part of our efforts to tackle
global warming and move to a more sustainable
energy system. The Emissions Trading Scheme,
Renewable Energy Target, $3 billion Australian
Renewable Energy Agency and $10 billion Clean
Energy Finance Corporation are all designed to
work together to drive significant renewable
energy investment in Australia.
Since Federal Labor came to power, employment
in the renewable energy industry has more than
doubled to over 24,000, wind capacity has trebled
to over 3,000 MW and over 1 million solar PV
systems have been installed – up from less than
7,500 under the former Coalition Government.
Renewable energy now powers the equivalent of
over 4 million homes each year. In 2012-13 with
our clean energy future plan in place renewable
energy output in the National Electricity Market
was up 25 per cent on the previous year.4.Housing
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Australia is faced with a major affordable housing problem. Not only does unaffordable housing Sustainable design can reduce the cost of living for occupants through various design measures
impact on society’s ability to function, and family and community cohesiveness, but it also including; proper orientation, suitable sunshading, effective insulation and energy-efficient high
affects an individual’s prosperity and their ability to participate in the economy. performance systems and products.
The Institute supports the broader concept of affordable living. Affordable living takes into Government policies (at all levels) need to address building and planning controls, encourage
account indirect costs relating to services and facilities, and household expenditure on utilities affordability and sustainability, and reduce the lifetime cost of housing.
like electricity, gas and water.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s position in relation to The Rudd Labor Government understands the In relation to affordable housing, the Coalition In answer to the following three questions, unlike
encouraging multi-residential developments complexity of providing affordable and social supports the work of Livable Housing Australia the Labor or Liberal Party, the Australian Greens
as a means of increasing affordable housing housing with a number of economic, social and in promoting livable housing design principles. have a clear policy on Sustainable Planning and
stock? infrastructure factors determining affordability. Transport. Its seven aims address all of the above
At a time when housing prices are on the increase
points, and are:
Federal Labor has a proud record of helping to and rents are high, there is a challenge presented
deliver affordable housing for Australians and to Government at all levels to improve access to 1. Planning that is based on sustainable urban
their families. affordable homes. design principles, minimises urban sprawl and
promotes development in mixed-use compact
Since coming to office Federal Labor has invested The Coalition’s Plan will address the pressure from
settlements.
a record $26 billion in a broad ranging and high demand through measures that should lift
innovative affordable housing agenda. Through supply. We will work with the States to improve 2. Development that is affordable, ecologically
this investment the Australian Government has the supply of housing through encouraging sound, water and energy efficient, public transport
directly contributed to one in every twenty new accelerated land release, and this may involve friendly, and enables community interaction. A
homes built across the country. incentive payments. nationally agreed sustainability charter to be
agreed across all industry sectors.
This investment includes the $4.5 billion National A Coalition Government will work with the
Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) to stimulate States to rationalise the regulations on housing 3. Improved integration of planning and transport.
the supply of up to 50,000 new, more affordable construction which will help to lower costs and
4. Ecological sustainability and contribution to
rental dwellings by June 2016 through mixed speed delivery to market.
a safe climate as funding criteria for all federal
dwelling including multi-unit blocks, where there
In addition, the Coalition will take steps to development and infrastructure programs.
has been a mix of private ownership, NRAS and
reduce the cost of construction and the cost
social housing. 5. A national report card for development targets
associated with delayed development projects
and building standards to promote Australia's
through re-establishing the Australian Building
progress towards its ecological sustainability goals.
and Construction Commission (ABCC) to prevent
What is your party’s position in relation to Local, State and city planning is the responsibility
industrial problems and ensure smooth delivery 6. A Sustainability Fund to deliver funding to states,
supporting planning regulations to enable of local councils and State and Territory
of construction projects. local governments and community organisations to
more flexible housing types, including multi- Governments. That said, through the COAG’s
assist with implementing sustainability initiatives.
generational occupancy? capital city strategic planning objectives, State In general terms, the Coalition is committed to
and Territory leaders have been required to show providing Indigenous housing and to reducing 7. National urban planning standards that provide
what planning systems they have in place for the cost associated with it. for the location of high density housing and
their cities to deal with population growth and commercial buildings close to high capacity public
Further we are committed to providing housing
demographic change, connectivity of people to transport, and the clustering of medium-density
that meets the acceptable standards that any
jobs and businesses to markets, social inclusion, housing, community facilities and small-scale
Australian citizen would expect. We are also
health, liveability, community well-being and businesses around neighbourhood shopping
committed to ensuring that houses are designed
housing affordability. These issues are reported centres.
in a way that meets the needs of local people
each year in the State of Australian Cities report.
and the local environment, and are maintained
to a consistently high standard.4.Housing cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s position in relation The Rudd Labor believes that cities work best See answer on previous page.
to advocating for design and planning when people are able to connect easily to jobs
regulations that deliver affordable living and everyday services such as hospitals, schools,
through strategic planning and placement universities and public transport. Encouraging
of amenities, health, education, employment more housing near those services, and more jobs
and public transport? where people live, improves city productivity,
liveability and sustainability. It means that people
are freed from long commutes on our roads and
have more time each day with their families and
at the workplace.
While planning is a local, State and Territory
responsibility, the Federal Labor Government
has invested more in urban public transport that
all previous Federal Governments combined
since Federation. In total, $13.6 billion has been
allocated to 15 urban public transport projects
across Australia.
This is in stark contrast to the position of the
Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, who has
said the Commonwealth has no role in funding
urban public transport.
What is your party’s position in relation to Federal Labor has worked with the building industry The Australian Greens support this very strongly
sustainability criteria being introduced within and the states and territories on sustainable and have been critical at the lack of sustainability
eligibility assessments for housing incentive housing to make new and existing homes more criteria for housing schemes.
schemes? energy-efficient and water-efficient through new
The Greens believe the next NRAS scheme provides
provisions in the Building Code of Australia. These
the perfect opportunity for the government to show
came into effect in all states and territories on
leadership in building homes that are exemplary
1 May 2010.
in design and sustainability. The opportunity for
In addition, all NRAS housing must be pre-approved the Australian government to show leadership
under the Federal Government sustainability in this area should not be squandered like it
criteria. has over major schemes including the Housing
Affordability Fund which was introduced with very
poor eligibility criteria and had no benchmarks
or deliverables (on sustainability or affordability)
yet cost $400m.
Answer continued next page.4.Housing cont.
The Greens
What is your party’s position in relation to We believe there is no good reason why the next
sustainability criteria being introduced within 50,000 NRAS dwellings should not come with
eligibility assessments for housing incentive solar PV (or an equivalent on site or local new
schemes? (continued from previous page) renewable energy source) as a mandatory feature.
Nor is there reason why the future NRAS homes
would not be designed to the highest green
building standards. The Greens know world class
sustainable housing does not need to be more
expensive to build, either. Many examples exist
locally and internationally that demonstrate this
can be done at well under the average cost of
$350,000 budgeted per dwelling. For example
an existing NRAS project at the Clayton Campus
of Monash University has achieved 5 Star Green
Star certification1, and in July Environmental
Scientist and Gardening Australia presenter Josh
Byrne completed two 10-star rated 3x2 homes
$1200 per sqm (the standard dwelling cost)
using standard building methods. The house also
included a 3kw solar system, rainwater tank and
Greywater system, and will save about $1600 per
year in energy bills and $400 in water2.
The Greens will provide an additional up front
incentive of $2000 per dwelling to provide Solar
PV (or alternative localised renewable energy)
and meet the highest sustainable building
benchmarks (detailed in the Rental Revolution
package online)3. We’re dubbing this initiative
GreeNRAS. These benchmarks could be achieved
through ratings tools including the NABERS 5
star (energy and water) rating and the Green
Star Multi Unit Residential certified rating or the
One Planet Action Framework4
The Parliamentary Budget Office has established
this will cost $10 million per year over forward
estimates.
The Greens have attached a target of one third
of all housing costed under its National Housing
Affordability Plan to be delivered as prefabricated, 1 http://www.gbca.org.au/project-directory.asp#1125
modular, or alternative materials. This is because 2 The house plans and detailed information and fact sheets on ‘Josh’s House’
it is faster to build, and much more sustainable are freely available at http://joshshouse.com.au/welcome/. Note the star
rating tool refers to the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS)
than conventional build. which is based on a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest rating score and
requiring no heating or cooling. 6 stars is the minimum energy efficiency
The Greens will also continue to strongly champion standard required under the Building Code of Australia.
the highest sustainability and design standards 3 Note 5 Star Green Star signifies ‘Australian Excellence’ and 6-star Green
Star is the highest rating available under the Green Star system and signifies
in all future government housing and building that a project has ‘World Leadership’ benchmarks
schemes. 4 One Planet Framework at http://www.oneplanettoolkit.org/about/framework/4.Housing Cont.
LIVABLE HOUSING
One in five Australians identify as having some form of disability and with the first of the Livable housing design also makes financial sense, with upfront costs being more cost-effective
baby boomers now turning 65, and the number of Australians aged 85 and older projected to than a retrofit. Minor refinements at the design and construction phase contribute enormously
quadruple to 1.8 million by 2050, the adoption of livable design principles will assist Australia’s to a home’s ability to meet its occupants’ needs throughout their lifetime, and can also create
ageing population and people with a disability. added value on resale. The concept is simple; make homes easy to access and adaptable,
facilitating cost-effective construction and enhance quality of life for occupants.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s position in relation to Federal Labor launched the Livable Housing See answer on previous page. The Greens strongly support the new body and
support for Livable Housing Australia (LHA) Design guidelines on 13 July 2010. These guidelines the Guidelines.
and the Livable Housing Guidelines? provide awareness within the residential design
and construction industry and governments about
What is your party’s position in relation to the benefits of incorporating universal design The Greens support this.
adopting the LHA platinum standard for principles into new housing.
government funded housing stock?
They were developed as an outcome of the
National Dialogue on Universal Housing Design,
established by Federal Labor in late 2009. The
National Dialogue brought together representatives
from the housing industry, the disability and
community sectors and governments to develop
options to encourage the housing industry to
embrace principles of universal design.
The guidelines describe a number of core easy
living elements that aim to make a home more
responsive to the changing needs of home
occupants.
The Rudd Labor Government believes that
universal housing design is housing that meets
the needs of all people at various stages of their
lives, including people with disability and senior
Australians, can have a profound impact. Enabling
key living spaces and features to be more easily
and cost effectively adapted to meet changing
needs and abilities, means safer, more suitable
housing. It can help increase social inclusion,
improve health outcomes, and allow greater
independence and increased opportunities for
anyone experiencing disability.
Both answers continued next page.4.Housing cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
Federal Labor has also committed $1 million in
seed funding over three years, 2011-12 to 2013-14 See answer on previous page.
to support the Livable Housing Design Initiative.
This initiative will benefit people with disability
and ageing Australians by designing Australian
homes to meet the changing needs of home
occupants across their lifetime.
A re-elected Rudd Labor Government is committed
to continuing to work with the housing industry to
have all new homes meet the guidelines by 2020.
INDIGENOUS HOUSING
Appropriate housing for Indigenous
communities plays a crucial role in creating
healthier, more stable, secure and socially
cohesive environments. This in turn can foster
the economic development and prosperity
needed for more sustainable environments.
What is your party’s position in relation to Indigenous housing is central to the Federal The Greens strongly support such investment and
investment in Indigenous housing (new, Labor’s Closing the Gap agenda, to help close will continue to be a strong champion of Indigenous
retrofit and maintenance) and the application the gap in life outcomes between Indigenous and housing (new, retrofit and maintenance). The
of the National Indigenous Housing non-Indigenous Australians. Safe and healthy Greens have released two costed policy initiatives
Guidelines and LHA Guidelines in such housing is linked to broader life outcomes such that support investment in Indigenous housing
investment? as health, education and employment. as part of the election campaign;
The National Partnership Agreement on Remote 1. Our Stronger Social Housing system package
Indigenous Housing is a $5.5 billion investment to is a costed plan worth $700m each year to build
reduce significant overcrowding, homelessness 122,000 new public and community housing. The
and poor housing conditions in remote Indigenous initiative strongly recognises the role State Owned
communities over 10 years – a long term investment. and Managed Indigenous Housing (SOMIH) and
Indigenous community housing, who provide
The 2011 Census shows some reduction in severe
housing and assistance to almost 20,000
overcrowding in those remote Indigenous
households. However it’s not enough - in 2012
communities as a result of our investment. Since
there were 9233 applicants just on the waiting list
the census data was collected, the number of
for state owned and managed indigenous housing.
new houses built has almost doubled, and more
Since 2009 there has been no identified funding
than 5,000 refurbishments have been completed.
for adding to Indigenous housing in urban and
The Rudd Labor Government knows how important regional areas. The Greens believe in the vital and
it is that Indigenous people have a decent and safe empowering role the indigenous housing sector
place to live and we are committed to continuing plays, and would ensure sufficient funding under
the necessary investments. this initiative goes to this sector.
Answer continued next page. Answer continued next page.4.Housing Cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s position in relation to Quality Assurance frameworks have been 2. Our Better Deal for Renters package worth
investment in Indigenous housing (new, developed by each State and the Northern Territory See answer on previous page. $103 million would set up a new national body
retrofit and maintenance) and the application Government. These ensure that all houses are to introduce national minimum standards for
of the National Indigenous Housing constructed to an appropriate standard. rental properties. This would include standards
Guidelines and LHA Guidelines in such on energy and water efficiency, comfort, and
The National Indigenous Housing Guide (the Guide),
investment? (continued from previous page) safety. Landlords will be offered a package worth
the Building Code of Australia, and Australian
$500 per property to help them meet the new
and state-specific construction standards and
national standard. The package would also provide
legislation are integral to the framework.
an extra $3m for Tenants’ Advocacy services,
The Guide steers the delivery of housing construction and the Greens’ Access to Justice Initiative also
and ongoing management of quality housing in includes doubling the funding to Community
remote locations in a way that recognises the unique Legal Centres, worth $120.8million over forward
environmental conditions and requirements. It estimates5. Both of these packages would mean
provides assistance and information for architects more funding for specialist Indigenous tenants
and companies interested in the design of housing advice services or Indigenous advocates. With
for Indigenous people. more than 60% of Indigenous households in the
rental market it is a priority to provide more
support for Indigenous tenants through a specialist
Indigenous tenants’ advice service, which would
include advocacy and community education for
tenants and housing providers.
5 http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/legal-affairs/greens-pledge-842-
million-in-aid/story-e6frg97x-12266980628265.Regulation & Red Tape
PLANNING REFORM
If we want to address the economic, social and environmental challenges in our cities, we need The Australian Government can provide the incentives for change by utilising models like the
to implement streamlined planning systems in line with the Development Assessment Forum’s National Competition Policy. We need a coordinated and streamlined approach to government
Leading Practice Model. With a growing, ageing population, increasing competition for space, decision-making and policy setting, which eliminates unnecessary lengthy delays and additional
environmental and affordability issues, the situation is critical. Now is the time to embrace solid compliance burdens. Most importantly, we must resolve the tension around the long-term need
leadership, improved planning processes, and a development and assessment system that is to transform our cities, versus the short-term nature of political electoral cycles.
efficient, better resourced and less convoluted.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
Will your party commit to providing a The Rudd Labor Government currently has no A Coalition Government is committed to reducing The Greens will seek a briefing from the Australian
secretariat for the Development Assessment plans to fund a secretariat for the Development the red and green tape cost burden imposed on Institute of Architects and other key stakeholders
Forum (DAF)? Assessment Forum. State and Territory planning the Australian economy by $1billion a year. following the election on this issue.
ministers participate in the COAG group, the
That doesn’t mean reducing standards, it means
Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure,
improving the way we do things so we can still
and this gives urban planning a rightful place
achieve greater energy productivity but without
alongside transport planning.
the administrative cost.
Further, the Coalition is committed to working
Will your party encourage the with State and Territory Governments and Local The Greens will seek a briefing from the Australian
implementation of the DAF Leading Practice Governments to reduce red tape and improve Institute of Architects and other key stakeholders
Model for Development Assessments by all planning processes to increase the supply of following the election on this issue.
state and territory governments, and if so, housing, including affordable housing, around
how? the country.
We will streamline the environmental approval
process for all users – resulting in less duplication
across Federal and State jurisdictions and delivering
a real boost to productivity.4.Regulation & Red Tape cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s position in relation These are matters for discussion within the See answer on previous page. The Greens support this position and believe
to developing a set of national planning Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure. sustainable urban planning principles should
principles, in partnership with State/Territory underscore all current and future development.
and Local Governments?
The Greens will be announcing a $10m initiative
to establish an Integrated Design Commission
(IDC) in every capital city to progress excellence
in design and planning, based on the success of
the former South Australian IDC.
What is your party’s position in relation That is a matter for State, Territory and local The Greens support this position.
to encouraging design review panels and administrations.
design quality requirements within planning
legislation?
REDUCING RED TAPE
Unnecessary red tape creates high costs for
doing business and hinders productivity.
What is your party’s position in relation to A re-elected Rudd Labor Government would seek The Greens will seek a briefing from the Australian
establishing a national government register advice on the merits of establishing a national Institute of Architects and other key stakeholders
for architects and businesses? (in accordance government register for architects and businesses. following the election on this issue.
with the 2010 recommendation of the
Productivity Commission)
What is your party’s position in regard to The Rudd Labor Government supports the free The Greens support this position.
making the National Construction Code online publication of the National Construction
freely available to the public and industry? Code (NCC). By making the NCC freely available
(in accordance with the 2010 Productivity online, we will encourage greater compliance by
Commission report) the construction industry and drive productivity
benefits across the economy. For these reasons,
we have recently asked the Australian Building
Code Board to examine how best to achieve this
objective and prepare options for consideration
by the Building Ministers Forum (BMF).5.Regulation & Red Tape Cont.
Australian Labor Party The Coalition The Greens
What is your party’s position in relation Since coming to Government in 2007, Federal See answer on previous page. The Greens will seek a briefing from the Australian
to leading a review of state and territory Labor has worked with other jurisdictions to Institute of Architects and other key stakeholders
appendices to the National Construction improve the efficiency of Australia's national following the election on this issue.
Code to achieve regulation uniformity? building regulations. We've worked with other
jurisdictions through the BMF to consolidate the
Building Code with the Plumbing Code of Australia
into the NCC and, in the process, address a number
of overlapping and inconsistent regulations. Last
year, the Productivity Commission reviewed these
efforts and estimated that they would deliver
overall savings to business of around $1 billion,
around 1 per cent of the value of residential and
nonresidential building construction. However,
we accept that the Productivity Commission also
identified a number of further opportunities to
achieve greater uniformity in Australia's building
regulatory framework. A re-elected Rudd Labor
Government will continue to work closely with
States and Territories to try to capture those
productivity benefits.You can also read
