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<title><![CDATA[Not Good Enough - Australia's Customer Complaints Website: Latest posts in forum(s) (Housing affordability)]]></title>
<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/index.php</link>
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<description>Consumer website NotGoodEnough.org</description>
<language>en-au</language>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:13:22 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - INCREASED UTILITY CHARGES IN NSW]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[It's happening all over.  A lack of spending on infrastructure and drastically increasing demand in previous years has lead to significant shortfalls in infrastructure.  If a smaller amount had been spent on maintenance in the past, the costs now would be significantly lower.  The failing powerlines that caused bushfires in Victoria last year is a classic example.

I was reading a study though that in real terms, electricity is cheaper than it was 30 years ago.  Although with the current rises (mine went up about 17% at the start of this year), I'm sure that will change soon.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=38211</link>
	<author>Danny_b</author>
	<pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 02:11:08 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - INCREASED UTILITY CHARGES IN NSW]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Yep here in Qld power went up 15% last year then over 9% this year with more increases to come. The water  services are under the control of a new body who run the "Urban Utilities" and of course now comes on a separate bill. There was no way that was going to cost us less. Hand everything over to private companies seems to be the way of all modern governments. Look at the USofA, Britain and other countries since governments gave up control of essential services. Companies exists for one reason; make shareholders money, not service.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=38211</link>
	<author>Legless</author>
	<pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:43:36 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - housing affordability in queensland]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[We would consider buying our own home if we were elligible to borrow enough which we simply aren't.  We have been told that we might be able to borrow $50 thousand which is nothing but a drop in the ocean.  I guess it renting for us.  Housing affordability in Queensland yeah right what affordability.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=35707</link>
	<author>debbie22</author>
	<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:17:53 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - INCREASED UTILITY CHARGES IN NSW]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[People aren't supposed to grow their own veggies. They are supposed to buy them either at Coles or Woolies at obscenely overinflated prices. Most people don't even have a backyard anymore thanks to idiotic zoning regulations that aim to create the slum suburbs of tomorrow. The price increases on energy are not at all for infrastructure. There will be no improvements or added value for the extra money that we are expected to pay. For us consumers it will be a case of pay more and expect much less. 

Numerous polticians have made their views abundantly clear. Australia's working middle class has too much, lives too well and we've had it too good for too long. This is the rhetoric that now comes from Canberra and our various state governments and people better start paying attention.

Julia Gillard is talking about moving Australia forward to protect the Australian way of life. I would like her to explain her own definition of what exactly that is. If she was serious about protecting the Australian way of life her campaign slogan should be 'Lets stop the Rip Off'.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=38211</link>
	<author>snickerdoodle</author>
	<pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 07:47:34 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - INCREASED UTILITY CHARGES IN NSW]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Seems it is happening everywhere Bevvy. More interest in profiteering as a  result of selling off what already belonged to us, the taxpayer! We have been informed that electricity prices will rise by 60% to pay for infrastructure- outrageously expensive given our bill has been steadily increasing despite cost cutting measures such as replacing incandescent globes with fluoro globes, new appliances with better star rating given our old ones are as old as we are. 
Our last water account rose from its usual $250 to $440- after a cap was initiated at 150kL and anything above charged at twice the rate...even though we are frugal and use dripper irrigation systems we ended up with a hefty bill. For the elderly or those with lower incomes wanting to grow their own veggies or simply have gardening as a hobby- forget it as it is just too costly an exercise.
One good thing about QLD is that one does not need to spend too much on heating- so maybe we should sell up and move north? Or perhaps leave the country entirely for somewhere where we are not continually ripped off?]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=38211</link>
	<author>bronhill</author>
	<pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:57:46 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - INCREASED UTILITY CHARGES IN NSW]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[I'm with you Bronhill.  Here in Qld the charges are creeping up as well.  For now, those that can continue to pay these sorts of hideous charges outnumber us people who struggle.  so complaints to local State Members falls on deaf ears.  Electricity i thought, was an essential service like water - but it seems govts around this country think it needs handing over to private enterprises to run it & charge us a motza for doing so.  The aimish idea seems appealing right now........ :(]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=38211</link>
	<author>Bevvy17</author>
	<pubDate>Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:52:04 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - INCREASED UTILITY CHARGES IN NSW]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Is anyone else out there fed up with paying through the nose for our basic utilities and IPART ( Independent Pricing and Reg Tribunal appeasing the companies by approving requests for increases to supposedly pay for infrastructure which should have been maintained, repaired or replaced years ago with monies already received?

Seems writing to the Government and politicians is a waste of time ](*,) 
How can we as citizens ensure water and electricity remains affordable? The Government is espousing increased population growth ( obviously to keep developers happy and in the money, and big business who is already receiving their utilities at a much cheaper rate) but many people are finding it increasingly difficult on an average wage to pay their bills- or else save some dollars to spend on themselves and families!
Don't know about you but I am pretty angry about this as it seems the authorities have a " pay up or we cut the service off" mentality! What does it tale- a revolution? People no longer have a say and with distance a problem most are not in a position to spend hundreds of dollars to visit Sydney to protest- the ballot box doesn't seem to make a difference . When did most politicians develop a  blatant disregard for their constituents and when did IPART become GOD?
 >:) Any ideas?]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=38211</link>
	<author>bronhill</author>
	<pubDate>Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:13:05 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - Housing affordability In Vic for single parents]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Also i forgot to mention EVERYONE HAS TO MAKE SACRIFICES IN LIFE. what is your choise? buy them fancy clothes and toys or have a home? i can tell you they will appriciate a home more than toys and fancy clothes, think about it, my daughter went without and shes happier because she has a home the toys and fancy clothes, they grow out of them a home they will never  but that was "my choise"]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36652</link>
	<author>lynbt</author>
	<pubDate>Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:17:48 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - Housing affordability In Vic for single parents]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[I was a sole parent on the pension and working part time i brought my own house, i went through keystart and i only needed 2000.00 dep, the house i bought is small and certainly nothing flash but its home, now i have a partner and my little "dogbox"as i call it is now housing 5 and slowly getting fixed. Keystart in wa helped me i dont know what they have everywhere else now, from what i understand you can go shared equity with the gov (they had that option back then too) where you purchase 1/2 the house the gov get the otheer half then you buy it off them in years ahead]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36652</link>
	<author>lynbt</author>
	<pubDate>Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:12:05 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - building co's cutting costs]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Unfortunatly shutting down a major building co is not an option ,they want good service but dont want to pay. The companys in quesion are in WA and they even pride themselves on the enviro aspects but then dont want to pay for the extra work involved in the enviro aspect,you would be amazed at the quality of some of the trades, what they do to try keep in budget (that the building co supplies) yet again the buyer is paying top dollar for and alot gets thrown out .I know of one person whom built a two story house out of the "rubbish"that was going to the tip bricks and pavers still tied up, and i could go on.....]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36669</link>
	<author>lynbt</author>
	<pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:09:12 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - building co's cutting costs]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Are other contractors out there in the same situation? 

I left because I earned less than wages in a hardware and could have lost my home being litigated against if I dropped my standard.

I guess some contractors have kids to feed, nothing else they can do and do what it takes to put food on the table.

I guess you just end up with more and more contractors with nothing to lose in the industry.

It would be great to do the perfect job but no ones going to cry for you when you go bankrupt.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36669</link>
	<author>thisisnotalovesong</author>
	<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:50:22 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - building co's cutting costs]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Bluey,
I agree, the squeeze by Bulding contractors on their sub-contractors is producing sub-standard building.
I work mainly as an installer/carpenter on large building projects in Melbourne and have seen such a decline in standards that I am ashamed to work for some of the companies that I have recently. In high-rise apartments especially, the quality of kitchens I have installed amaze me how they ever pass final inspection. I really feel sorry for the people that buy these glossed over units, they are paying big dollars for very poor quality, all dollied up and presentable but not made to last long.
It's all about production, quality comes last.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36669</link>
	<author>ewie</author>
	<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:26:48 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - building co's cutting costs]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[As a professional painter, I can verify that the building companies are squeezing so tight that they are asking the sub-contractors to do a job below the cost of production required to complete a job to Australian Standards.

Cost of doing a paint job on a new house is about $32.00 sq/m floor rate. For a painter to complete the job properly and his Company to make a profit after the Government has had their cut, he should be charging at least $38.00 sq/m.

Anyone less than that is shortcutting on a proper job and could not give a damn for the customer.

I totally agree that the builders are not giving the customer the correct expectation of a properly built home by using the traades that have a regard and pride in their workmanship.

I did not realise it extended to the site works. Thank you for pointing this out to me. Surely your site inspector is not on the take and is approving things dependant upon how much kick-back he receives.

I hope you can talk to others in your area with the equipment that can also carry out these works and try to shut down this person.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36669</link>
	<author>Bluey Zarzoff</author>
	<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:20:50 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - Housing affordability In Vic for single parents]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Where was I? I was working recieving a low income paying full cost for childcare as there was no child care benefit as there is now! Family allowance then was a whopping $9 per week, no rent assistance. And I am also happy to pay for my HECS because we have become a society of "I want everything for nothing" also I never had any divorce payout thank you and this is my first house! My point being I have had to strive for everything I have and proud of it. People have to learn nothing is free and we should not expect it to be! There is too much of this "society owes me a favour " mentality, sounds like you have it too!]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36652</link>
	<author>dustycash</author>
	<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:45:34 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - Housing affordability In Vic for single parents]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Dustycash - where were you before you became a middle-aged mum?

My eldest is 27 years old, and believe me there was financial help for single parents then, and family payments for couples with children, much to my gratitude.

Oh, and then there was my HECs-free degree!  :grin: 

Support for sole parents and payments for children have been around for decades - maybe forty years?

Governments might change the conditions of the payments, but they're not new.  Certainly there's a great deal more given to the middle and upper class, those who already have an income, or two. It used to be only for those in need.

At your age, yes, being a single parent might be easier, as you would have had savings and half a lifetime of work behind you before having children, and very possibly a nice divorce settlement.  It's a lot tougher to "save" to buy shoes let alone a house if you're young and having nothing to begin with.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36652</link>
	<author>CKHart</author>
	<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:32:05 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - Housing affordability In Vic for single parents]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[I totally agree CK. Government benefits are a safety net, nothing more.
It's unrealistic for anyone to expect to be able to save a home deposit on a part time wage, let alone with 2 dependents.
If your children are at school there really isn't much reason you can't work full time.
It isn't easy to be the sole carer, run a house and work full time, but it's just what you have to do.

I do have a mortgage and three dependents on my own. I can't work right now due to the health of my youngest so I'm living on benefits too but I'm very very thankful I receive any at all, and I can't get rent assistance either.

It really depends on your perspective. I'd rather have 3 healthy children and work full time....]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36652</link>
	<author>Redstars</author>
	<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:08:30 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - Housing affordability In Vic for single parents]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The pension is not a be all to anyones finances. Although I have managed to purchase a house on the pension with 2 dependant children. Sure I had to move to a small country town to avail of cheaper prices and move my children but the move to our own house well outweighs the move the children had to make and they are happy and really don't think too much about their friends when they are playing with new ones!
I also started a degree at University to increase my chances of employment. I am in my 40s and my youngest is 2yrs old so I know about doing it hard but you really have to brush yourself off and forge ahead. Believe me it's easier now than it was 20 years ago, their really was no govt financial help for families then and I can pay my uni fees when I get a job. Ah aint Australia a great place to be! We have so many opportunities here and we can do anything we want if we have the drive and initiative.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36652</link>
	<author>dustycash</author>
	<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:06:31 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - Housing affordability In Vic for single parents]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Cassie80 - all Centrelink payments, to the unemployed, single parents, the elderly, the disabled, are a SAFETY NET to help those who are temporarily or long term disadvantaged.  

Centrelink payments are not intended to assist you or anyone else in saving up to buy a house, or a life of plenty, but good-on anyone who manages to!  

The only way to get ahead, which you insist you want to do, is to move into the full time work force, and yes, that does mean losing your pension, but you will not lose family payments, and will most likely retain both family payments parts A & B for many years, unless you are fortunate enough to get a very well paid job straight off, which is unlikely.

I gather your children must still be quite young, although you seem to suggest they're at school.

Aren't the rules now such that you must start looking for full time work (or a longer part time job?) once the youngest child turns six?  And aren't you moved onto Newstart, which pays less than the single parent's payment?  

In other words, your days trying to survive on the temporary safety net provided by taxpayers is numbered anyway, so you'll eventually be forced to work for longer hours and increase your income.  

In the meantime, yes, the effective tax rate from working part time, is absurd, a major disincentive, but that's true for the unemployed or anyone else too.  What it means is that anyone serious about improving their lot really does have to take the leap into a real income, giving up payments altogether, rather than fluffing about with part time work.  It's worth it though.  

BTW - single people struggle to make ends meet or to buy a house too, so do many low income couples.  It's not unique to a single parent.  

I raised my children on my own from when they were babies and children don't need the most expensive clothes or toys or housing.  So long as they're loved and well cared for, they're generally pretty happy and don't sit around envying someone with more expensive runners.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36652</link>
	<author>CKHart</author>
	<pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:07:47 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - Housing affordability In Vic for single parents]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Seedy
I am sure there would be with one of the companies.

If not now shortly.]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36652</link>
	<author>TheLoanMan</author>
	<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:36:06 GMT</pubDate>
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	<title><![CDATA[Housing affordability - Housing affordability In Vic for single parents]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Is there work there for a truck driver/storeman/fork lift operator TLM?]]></description>
	<link>http://www.notgoodenough.org:/viewtopic.php?f=569&amp;t=36652</link>
	<author>CDMS</author>
	<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:40:31 GMT</pubDate>
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