It’s timely to remind readers that an important part of the former Labor government’s economic stimulus package was a big spend to bring state government housing projects forward.

Imagine where we would be today if that had not been done. Not only did our package save us from recession, it put a roof over the heads of many. 

This narrative is also true for our public primary schools.

Further, Maitland was a beneficiary of the former Labor government’s National Rental Affordability Scheme. 

The $11.3 million grant provided incentives to the ­private sector for the establishment of affordable private housing in the city.

At the time, the now Prime Minister heavily criticised Labor’s economic stimulus plan, describing it as a waste of money.

This is despite the fact that in the middle of the Global Financial Crisis, unemployment never once climbed to today’s level and the budget deficit has grown under his leadership of the nation.

JOEL FITZGIBBON, Member for Hunter