However, South Australia’s election was held on Saturday, and with the Liberal Party eroding, even in long-term safe seats, Peter Malinauskas’ Labor Party was crowned the victor on Saturday night.
It is now beginning the process of fulfilling its election promises, with cost-of-living pressures firmly on voters’ agendas.
And, as many of them revolve around housing, given the current situation and the problem of supply, it is clear that the public hope in South Australia Labor will use the right to govern to bring real change to those who are struggling in the current economic climate.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas on election night. Photo: Brett Hartwig
Voters like Cheltenham voter and housing advocate Chelsea Crosby.
“I live in public housing now after being homeless and I live in a government-funded women’s shelter, Catherine House,” she said.
“I hope this result means the Labor government will continue to try to tackle the housing crisis, because people like me need affordable housing and a real chance to own a home one day.”
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Ramsey voter and public housing tenant and South Australian Anti-Poverty Network volunteer Mel Fisher said he wanted to see the government focus on delivering real help.
“Peter Malinauskas campaigned in large parking lots,” he said.
“But big garages mean nothing if you can’t buy a house.
“South Australians need housing to be a priority.”
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SA’s housing and affordability crisis affects the entire country.
Bragg voter Brendan Folwell said he was “very disappointed” with the election.
“I did not see anything but speeches and blaming the goats for the real problems of the building,” he said.
“Our problems are caused by the lack of public housing infrastructure.
“Xenophobia will ensure that you end up with nothing.”
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Enfield voter Pas Forgione had little hope.
“The expected victory for the Malinauskas government provides a rare opportunity to take urgent action on South Australia’s housing crisis,” he said.
“That means committing to massive improvements in public housing, using its strong mandate to introduce rent controls, and tackling the thousands of homes sitting empty.”
Key housing Labor promises going into the election include:
* $1bn to accelerate housing.
* $70m of stamp duty reductions
* $413.5m in rental housing in 2000
* $29m for 1000 new tradies to build homes
Peter Malinauskas with tools at Tonsley Technical College after his election win. Photo: Eleni Tzanos
* $140m for 200 supported housing units and refurbishing 300 vacant Housing Trust homes
* Expansion of HomeStart home loans with low deposits
* $3.6m for a tangible program of rental bonds
* Establish the SA Gas and Water Trust, a new entity that will take over SA Water and increase its revenue
In his acceptance speech, Mr Malinauskas said he was overwhelmed with gratitude and his message was clear – everything is in the hands.
“We have never had more opportunity in this province than the one we have in front of us right now and if we are going to open up that opportunity to take a growing and growing economy and turn it into an improved standard of living for everyone, we have to work together,” he said.
Premier Peter Malinauskas got a resounding thumbs up from South Australians on election day. Now he has to fulfill his promises. Photo: Brett Hartwig.
Since Mr. Malinauskas’ promise to end the hospital in the last election has not been fulfilled in the last four years, and is actually getting worse, all eyes will be on not only his promises in this election, but also on the action he will take to see if he can follow through.
