2021-02-27
Confronting the housing crisis, advocating climate action and out on the campaign trail
By Hon Tim Clifford, MLC for East Metropolitan Region
And just like that it’s election time.
This year has been somewhat of a blur for me, as I’m sure it has for most. But after the turmoil of last year, it has been really great getting stuck into campaigning. Particularly as the more Greens that are voted into Parliament in March, the better the recovery from the pandemic will be for all Western Australians.
For most of my term in Parliament I have been focused on housing and climate change, so heading into the election will be no different.
Housing and renters’ rights
Before COVID-19 struck, thousands of Western Australians were homeless while hundreds of thousands of families were struggling with enormous rents that they could barely afford.
Now, many more Australians are facing homelessness and housing insecurity.
As part of our election campaign, and to highlight issues with housing in WA, my Office has been conducting a survey to garner information about the issues facing those within the rental market.
The stories we have received so far are horrifying.
Renters are being handed eviction notes after trying to negotiate lower rent increases. A mum with two kids is facing homelessness. Major maintenance issues are being denied. A family of 6 are living in a campervan with a baby.
Housing is a human right. Yet almost half of respondents are paying 30-50% of their income in rent and 20% are paying more than half.
It is essential that housing is treated as key infrastructure. And I will continue to campaign on increasing affordable housing supply and ensuring renters’ rights.
Climate Change
Supplying affordable, climate-appropriate housing is just one step towards effective climate action, but there is also much more that must be done at a higher-level.
Legislating renewable energy targets and net-zero emission targets must be at the centre of any credible climate policy.
Given the major parties piecemeal commitments to climate action, and continued support for dirty gas, our climate campaign is focused on highlighting the need for ambitious (but achievable) targets like the ones proposed in our policy.
Only by committing to these targets can we take effective action on climate change, while regenerating our environment and creating thousands of long-term jobs in the process.
The impacts of climate change are a big issue for the East Metro region ‒ particularly for those living in the hills. The recent Woorloo bushfires were a devastating stark reminder of the future we face if the climate crisis remains unchecked.
Part of our climate campaign in East Metro has been supporting Save Perth Hills in the fight against a proposed development in North Stoneville. As you may know, the state government and Satterly are pushing through a development in a high-risk bushfire area. The community are extremely concerned, and we’re doing our part in amplifying their voices and lobbying the government.
We’re also supporting the Save Our Jarrah campaign to protect our precious Jarrah forests from being logged by Alcoa. A proposed expansion threatens to clear 8,700 hectares of beautiful jarrah forest. It’s so important we protect forests if we’re to limit the impacts of climate change.
On the campaign trail
So far these campaigns have been resonating well in East Metro but there is still so much work to be done. As we enter the finish line of the 2021 election I would just like to thank all of our volunteers and supporters. We do have less than 2 weeks to go but we need to keep pushing to ensure we retain our presence in the Legislative Council. Just remember, you have all done an amazing job and should be proud. I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail!
Header photo: Tim speaking at the Australian Institute of Energy debate