Labor backs more red tape and more expensive housing

Labor has voted against efforts to cut red tape and reduce costs for building homes in Tasmania.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett said not only does the Winter-Willie Opposition want to slug Tasmanians with higher taxes, they also want more red tape and more expensive building costs.

“Labor opposed a Bill to stop Federal Labor’s new National Construction Code requirements and rejected a compromised proposal to delay the changes by 12 months,” Minister Barnett said.

“Even the Federal Government has acknowledged constant changes to the Code are causing housing to be more expensive and harder to build, yet the Winter-Willie Opposition has voted to deliver higher costs for building and more red tape.

“It’s extraordinary that Labor still voted against the Bill even with this amended approach, meaning they want red tape and greater cost.

“While we’re disappointed our plan to stop the new NCC red tape coming into effect wasn’t fully supported, we acknowledge the approach of Legislative Councillors to amend the Bill to a compromise position which at least provides industry 12 months of respite from the new NCC 2025 requirements.

“Our Government is focussed on cutting red tape and making it cheaper to build a home because we support out community and the construction industry.”