Question Time AU

General Debate

Housing

House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 March 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Madonna Jarrett addressed the housing crisis, framing it as a fundamental human right requiring coordinated government action. She highlighted federal initiatives including the construction of social and affordable homes, rent assistance increases, and schemes for first-home buyers. Jarrett criticised the Queensland Liberal National Party government for removing social housing targets, cancelling projects, and implementing strict eviction policies. She called on state and local authorities to increase housing supply and support vulnerable residents.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Madonna Jarrett (Brisbane) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Jarrett argued that housing is a fundamental right and that the federal government is undertaking the largest housing build since the Second World War. Jarrett stated that the government had finished over 500,000 social and affordable dwellings and supported more than 180,000 first-home buyers through a five per cent deposit scheme. Jarrett noted that more than one million households received increased rent assistance and that 500,000 homes have been built since the government took office. Jarrett outlined future commitments to build 55,000 social and affordable homes and 100,000 homes for first-home buyers, aiming for 1.2 million homes in five years.