I am urgently appealing to you today concerning the grave issue affecting numerous families in Western Australia due to the building stimulus COVID-19 package introduced by Mark McGowan. This package has inadvertently caused significant disruptions in the WA housing and construction market, leaving many distressed families. In September 2020, I committed to constructing my home with Inspired Homes WA, agreeing on a completion date of 396 working days, which would bring us to an April 2023 completion date. Regrettably, as of July 2024, my home remains unfinished. 

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated issue. Many families face similar challenges due to the lack of accountability and follow-through by WA building companies and government intervention. The broader problem is the systemic failure to enforce contractual obligations, leaving consumers vulnerable. It's not just about an unfinished house but the emotional turmoil and financial burden placed on families like mine, continually let down by builders and the lack of governmental accountability.

We are asking for your help by signing this petition to show support to these families who have been struggling for far too long. WA has a worsening affordable housing crisis; Perth's rental vacancy rate dropped to a record low of 0.4% in early 2024, significantly below the market range of 2.5% to 3.5%​ (REIWA Public Website)​​ (Momentum Wealth). Reports indicate that Perth needs around 20,000 additional rental properties to meet current demand​ (REIWA)​.

Australia's construction industry is also predicted to hit a growth of 2.8% in 2025 (source: IBISWorld). With this anticipated increase, it becomes even more crucial to instil robust contractual discipline in building companies. Governmental authorities must implement stricter standards to ensure these corporations fulfil client obligations. Without robust regulations, this growth could exacerbate existing issues rather than alleviate them.

We call on the labour government to fix the systemic issues they have created by: 

• Implementing measures to provide relief and support to families affected by delays and breaches of contract
• Mandating that all building contracts signed in 2020 and 2021 be completed by December 2024.
• Providing money (via loan or relief) to enable builders to finish homes for the cost between the contract price and the actual price for trades.
• Introducing legislation mandates to ensure that building companies adhere to stricter standards and fulfil their contractual agreements.

Failure to take action is not merely overlooking building companies' irresponsibility but also harms innocent families who have been reduced to victims. Let's ensure that construction growth in Australia goes hand in hand with protecting consumer rights by ensuring that building companies are held accountable!

We ask you to join us in demanding change. By signing this petition, you support the call for stronger regulations and protections in the housing and construction sector. Together, we can ensure that future construction growth in Australia benefits all citizens fairly and responsibly. Please sign this petition and join me in making a stand against such malpractices and ensuring they are dealt with effectively and efficiently.