Housing

Campbell argued that the coalition had neglected housing investment for decades, building only 373 homes in nine years compared to half a million under Labor. Campbell highlighted the success of the five per cent deposit scheme, citing a local couple who purchased their first home shortly after its introduction. Campbell stated that the Housing Australia Future Fund was delivering over 55,000 social and affordable homes and that the government was training tradespeople to boost supply.

Rebello supported the motion, arguing that the government's policies were reducing supply and driving up prices despite a $60 billion investment. Rebello claimed the Housing Australia Future Fund was buying existing homes rather than building new ones, thereby competing with buyers. Rebello criticised the expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme as uncapped and non-means tested, and alleged that the Construction, Forestry, and Maritime Employees Union was inflating costs. Rebello called for deregulation and transparency regarding a hidden report on Housing Australia governance.

Laxale described the housing crisis as generational, resulting from decades of underbuilding by all levels of government. Laxale defended the government's $43 billion housing agenda, which included making it easier to buy, better to rent, and building more homes. Laxale cited the Housing Australia Future Fund's role in converting market-rate apartments to affordable housing in Bennelong and noted that over 1,000 Build to Rent properties were under construction in the electorate. Laxale contrasted this with the coalition's failure to build social housing during their term.

Haines acknowledged the severity of the housing crisis in regional areas, including low vacancy rates and long social housing waitlists. Haines proposed a $2 billion fund for regional housing infrastructure to assist local councils in constructing essential services like water and roads to unlock land for development. Haines called for 30 per cent of housing funding to flow to regional areas and for Housing Australia to recognise enabling infrastructure as an eligible activity. Haines urged the government to demonstrate clearer progress from the Housing Australia Future Fund in regional communities.

Georganas argued that the housing problem predated the current government, citing the sale of 10,000 public housing units in South Australia under previous Liberal governments. Georganas highlighted the government's partnership with state governments to deliver affordable homes, such as projects in Adelaide. Georganas stated that the government was working to meet the target of 1.2 million new homes through the National Housing Accord and programs like Help to Buy. Georganas emphasised the need for multi-level government cooperation to increase housing stock.

Small argued that the government was distorting the housing market by spending heavily while construction fell and migration surged. Small claimed that fewer social homes existed in Western Australia than when the coalition left office in 2017. Small criticised the government for ignoring the demand side of the equation, noting record net overseas migration and a 20 per cent rise in building costs. Small alleged that the abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission had allowed union intimidation to worsen.

Witty defended the government's $43 billion housing agenda, stating it was the most ambitious since the post-war period. Witty highlighted that 55,000 social and affordable homes were delivered through the Housing Australia Future Fund and that rent assistance expanded by over 40 per cent. Witty noted that the five per cent deposit scheme had been delivered ahead of schedule, helping first home buyers avoid mortgage insurance. Witty emphasised that social housing provided stability for vulnerable groups, including those fleeing domestic violence.