PHA welcomes change of tack on new state houses

11 December 2008

The Public Health Association (PHA) is praising the Government for reversing its decision to cap the number of state houses.

National Executive Officer, Dr Gay Keating, says the Government is to be congratulated for ditching ideology in favour of evidence.

"Families who are living in garages or sleepouts while they wait for a state house are at far greater risk of ill health. The long-term damage caused by having to live in cold, draughty, damp conditions is immense.

"The decision to continue to build new state houses will also have the spin-off of helping to reduce hospital waiting lists, as fewer people will become sick and need a hospital bed."

ENDS

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