"Labor is demolishing homes during a housing crisis"
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is demolishing homes in Lismore in the middle of a housing crisis. As part of their plans, they are seeking Writs of Vacant Possession from the Supreme Court, so that some occupied homes in Lismore can be made vacant and to have those homes demolished too. Housing advocates in Sydney are rallying together with other housing advocates from Lismore in front of the Supreme Court to call attention to the Reconstruction Authority demolishing homes.
Greens MP and spokesperson for the North Coast Sue Higginson said “The gathering of housing advocates at the Supreme Court today is a warning sign to the Minns Labor Government, the destruction of homes in a housing crisis will not be taken lying down,”
“Some of these homes that the Reconstruction Authority is demolishing were supposed to be relocated to higher ground, so they could continue to provide desperately needed housing,”
“Instead of relocation, the Reconstruction Authority has ordered in the bulldozers and is tearing apart the Lismore community, and reducing the number of homes available in a housing crisis - this is a complete betrayal,”
“Premier Chris Minns has weaponised the presence of a very small number of people who have occupied some buyback homes, he has driven hatred that has resulted in violent attacks, and he is pushing ahead with these demolitions to make a political point. It is bullying behaviour,”
“The irony now is that the only homes safe from demolition are those being occupied and cared for by the otherwise homeless occupiers,”
“The reality of what is happening in the Northern Rivers is stark, Labor is demolishing homes during a housing crisis and they are punishing the community for resisting. If Premier Minns wants to be known for creating more safe and secure housing, he should back down from destroying these Lismore homes and find a better way forward,”
We are calling for:
- An immediate pause on the destruction of structurally manageable homes.
- A commitment to relocate viable houses, rather than demolish them.
- Offering any moveable home for free to anyone who can safely relocate it.
- Greater compassion and care for communities recovering from disaster and people experiencing homelessness.