Politicians were lamenting the increased cost of building Canberra homes on this day in 1954, as it rounded out to about £1659.
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This was compared with the cost for a "similar home" in NSW at £799.
The figures came to be on the front page of The Canberra Times as then-member for St George Nelson Lemmon defended his earlier comments that costs for building for ex-servicemen had increased under government control.
"The increase started from the period when the government removed the competition of day labour," he said.
"Let the minister, Mr Kent Hughes, give the figures and we will find that construction in Canberra under day labour, when he was first appointed minister, was cheaper than contract."
Mr Hughes denied the claims, while the then-member for Bennelong, John Cramer, said "day labour has never been a success".
"Earlier, Mr Cramer had said the question of housing was one that must be fitted into the general economy, for nobody could disbelieve that the real increase in costs was brought about by the introduction of the 40-hour week," the story went on to say.
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
