Are you the government’s solution to the housing problem?

The announcement earlier today by Federal Treasure Scott Morrison has shown that the government’s plan for tackling the housing crisis in Australia is a “cradle-to-grave” approach.

This plan would see a mutual obligation superannuation plan for first home buyers, a social incentive program for people looking for homes, and tax breaks for those downsizing their homes in retirement.

Mr Morrison stated that there needs to be changed to combat the housing problems. He said, “Our response must first strive to remove obstacles that restrict supply responding to genuine demand. These impediments are well known, planning delays and regulations, supporting infrastructure and services, the cost of new development, taxes and charges and access to sites, including Government land, just to name a few”.

The intervention of the government into the housing sector is risky, Mr Morrison stated, “There is always that risk. Failure to confront these issues in the past can be traced back to the problems we face today. And our response must be comprehensive — there is no ­silver bullet.

“We don’t claim instantly affordable housing. Anyone making such claims would soon be found out and rightly punished for it.

“There are no single or easy ­solutions and the payback is achieved in some cases over a generation, not an electoral or budget cycle.”

Do you think the government is trying to tell you how to live? Or are they doing what they can to make sure there isn’t a bigger housing issue?