Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon talks housing, TAFE and regional forestry agreements in Bega

Ms Rhiannon met with Bega Valley Shire Greens councillor Cathy Griff to discuss affordable housing in the Bega Valley.

“There’s quite a bit that can be done on affordable housing with local government,” she said.

“One thing we are talking about a levy on empty homes set by local councils, because that is a problem in many places.

“The maximum rate would be triple the ordinary rate, and there would be exemptions if somebody has died, or somebody is very sick, it’s something that would be quite easy to do.”

Ms Rhiannon said the 2016 Census revealed 21 per cent of homes were unoccupied on the night.

“Then there’s the issue of rent, because we get a lot of complaints in holiday areas like this that people are thrown out when it comes to holiday time,” she said.

“We’re looking at no grounds evictions, and what sort of changes are required so tenants aren’t put in this shocking situation.”

Education was also on the agenda during her Far South Coast visit.

After meeting with staff at the Bega TAFE campus this week she described a campus of “low morale”, “uncertain about their future” and lacking in the “buzz” distinct of thriving education institutions.

“I’ve been to this TAFE before, it’s really wonderful, it’s part of the community with teachers working with the business community about what their future needs are with regard to apprentices and the training that’s required,” she said.

“Many of them are saying they don’t have time to do that, all of them raised the issue of compliance and how much time is spent just filling in forms, leaving less time for face-to-face teaching.”

“They are worried about their own future and the future of the place, valuers have been there.

“It’s a beautiful bit of land and a stunning campus.”