POLITICS with Ed Husic MP
Chifley Housing Forum
One of my big priorities is pushing to build more affordable and social homes locally to help improve affordability, and tame rental costs too.
To kick that latest work off I hosted the Chifley Housing Forum, bringing together all levels of government, industry, research and community housing experts to look at practical ways to boost affordable housing supply.
Held at Plumpton and launched by NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson, the Forum included Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting and Shelter NSW CEO John Engeler as speakers. Local residents also got a chance to ask questions and learn more.
We haven’ t had a better time to work on this, with significant federal and state resources available to build more homes- let’ s get it done!
Postal services for Marsden Park
For years Marsden Park residents have had a simple request for their own post office, so thousands could access services they need.
After many meetings with Australia Post we’ ve been able to help local residents, thanks to Priceline Pharmacy Marsden Park stepping up to join with Australia Post to provide basic local postal services, including buying stamps, picking up and sending parcels. Thanks and well done Priceline!
This is a big community win but I will keep pushing Australia Post to deliver a permanent post office in Marsden Park.
If I can be of assistance about a Federal matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office. See my details below.
Five per cent deposits for all first home buyers
The Albanese Labor Government is helping more Australians achieve the dream of home ownership, with the launch of a new initiative allowing all first home buyers to purchase with just a five per cent deposit, starting late October.
Under the expanded scheme, the Government will guarantee a portion of a first home buyer’ s loan, enabling them to buy with a smaller deposit and avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance( LMI).
In the electorate of Greenway, more than 1,700 locals have already secured their first homes through Labor’ s five per cent deposit program. The scheme is being expanded to ensure all first home buyers in Greenway can access the same opportunity with no caps on places or income limits.
To make home ownership even more achievable, property price caps have also been lifted to reflect average market prices. In Greenway, the cap has increased from $ 900,000 to $ 1.5 million, opening the door to a wider range of housing options.
For example, a first home buyer purchasing a $ 1.35 million home will now save around $ 202,500 under Labor’ s five per cent deposit scheme. Minister for Housing, Hon Clare O’ Neil MP, said the scheme is a major step in helping Australians get into their own homes sooner.
“ Five per cent deposits for all first home buyers will mean more people can get into their own home sooner,” she said.“ The Albanese Labor Government is stepping up to level the playing field and back a new generation of first home buyers into the housing market.”
Attorney-General and Member for Greenway, Hon Michelle Rowland MP, said the expanded access will make a real difference locally.
“ We want to help young people and first home buyers achieve the dream of home ownership sooner,” Ms Rowland said.
“ From October, all first home buyers in Greenway can buy a home of their own with a deposit of just five per cent, cutting years off the time it takes to save for a deposit.”
To learn more about the program, visit www. housingaustralia. gov. au / home-guarantee-scheme.
20 ISSUE 56 // NOVEMBER 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT