Sydneysiders who can’t afford a home should relocate, says minister

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has responded to reports indicating that Australia's largest cities are among the world's most expensive. He said people who can’t afford to buy a home in Sydney should rather relocate in other parts of Australia.

Joyce has acknowledged that Sydney and Melbourne are both wonderful places. However, not everyone can afford the prices of houses as they are incredibly costly. But the good news is there are other areas in the land down under.

In a talk with ABC Radio National, the prime minister has admitted that he gets annoyed when people say the only house they can buy is in Sydney but it is too costly. He had clearly opposed the idea, pointing out that there are other parts of the country.

Joyce has cited Tamworth, in which he lives, as an example. According to him, people should expect houses to be seriously costly when it provides the view of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydneysiders should accept this fact.

Meanwhile, people can enjoy a more affordable housing in Tamworth. Joyce also mentioned Armidale and Toowoomba are areas where people can take advantage of cheaper housing. "I did move out west so I can say this - if you've decided you've got the gumption in you and you want to move [west], you're going to have a very affordable house," Joyce said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wishes to focus on housing affordability this year. In line with this, he has appointed Michael Sukkar, who is based in Melbourne, to take care of the responsibility.

When asked if the government has to do more to push housing affordability, Joyce said the government is doing other things. These include promoting agriculture and decentralising the public service to regional areas.

In a data from the Demographia survey released on Tuesday, it was learned that Sydney is the second most expensive city in the world for housing next to Hong Kong. Melbourne, on the other hand, is fifth in the list. It is even more expensive than housing in London and San Francisco.