The Federal Government should follow up its $2b. support of the construction industry with an equally significant support package for public housing construction, according to the Australian Greens.

Housing Spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam, said the federal government should make an initial $2 billion down-payment on public and not for profit housing, which would mean more than 6,000 homes would be build for low-income families - providing construction jobs along the way.

"As a start, the federal government should be at least looking to match its $2b. fund to prop up construction of shopping malls and commercial property with support for public housing."

"Kevin Rudd has to re-think his priorities - supporting the big end of town, or providing for Australia's battling families in time of need."

"Supporting construction jobs is best done by spending taxpayers' dollars on public infrastructure."

"It's simply untenable to have thousands of Australian families waiting to access affordable, public housing for months on end."

"The government needs to pump sufficient funds into public housing, to bring down waiting lists and provide relief to these families."

Senator Ludlam made the comments as a new report by the Australian Institute of Health revealed less than half of all families in need were provided with public housing within three months or more. Many were waiting for 2 years or more and over 200,000 are on waiting lists across the county.

"The government says it's considering a range of measures to stimulate the economy. If it can find billions of dollars to encourage shopping centre developments, it can find money for public housing."

"By investing in public housing, the government could give the housing and construction industries a vital boost. It's an investment with real bang for the buck - creating thousands of jobs and providing affordable housing to thousands of Australian families in need."

Senator Ludlam said the $2 billion would be the first part of a broader funding package and housing organisations had estimated that a $7.5 billion investment in public and community housing, over 4 years could create 30,000 new homes. They made the case to government at a National Housing Advocacy Day last year.

Media comment: Robert Simms - 0417 174 302