Fed: State bureaucrats forcing up housing costs: Costello

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2006
Fed: State bureaucrats forcing up housing costs: Costello

Treasurer PETER COSTELLO says the housing policies of state and local governments
are undermining the legitimate dreams of Australians.

A report has found while housing construction costs have grown slightly over recent
decades .. land costs have exploded.

Mr COSTELLO says young people are being forced to pay more because state governments
aren't releasing enough land.

Author of the Institute of Public Affairs report .. ALAN MORAN .. says high house prices
are directly connected to excessive state government planning regulations.

But NSW Premier MORRIS IEMMA says interest rates are to blame for the shortage of new homes.

AAP RTV sw/sb/es/bart

KEYWORD: HOUSING (CANBERRA)

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