Buswell to review public housing in affluent areas
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Troy Buswell says he is taking steps to reduce the waiting list for public housing. (ABC)
The State Government has ordered a review of public housing stock in Perth's affluent suburbs.
The Housing Minister, Troy Buswell, says when Homeswest houses are vacated in those areas they will be sold.
The money will be used to buy more properties in cheaper suburbs.
Mr Buswell says the measure is necessary to address the shortage of Homeswest housing in Perth.
He says the waiting list for social housing had reached an unacceptable level.
"The Government stock of public housing numbers just over 25,000 with a waiting list that would require another 18,000," he said.
Mr Buswell says no one will be kicked out of their homes.
"We have to respect the rights of people who are tenants of the state," he said.
"We will do that, but when and as properties become available I think it is incumbent on the Government to look at making sure we utilise land and our assets to get the best outcome for all people.
"There's absolutely no desire by the Government to go back to the bad old days when public housing was grouped in certain suburbs.
" I mean Perth is a vast metropolitan area now and there's plenty of scope for the government to place social housing in a way that it is responsible.
"It is more that in these times of significant need, common sense and good judgement simply must prevail over ideological argument."
