Budget

Boele welcomed the government's commitment to 55,000 social and affordable homes but argued that inconsistent definitions of affordability across jurisdictions create confusion. Boele announced an initiative to create a uniform national definition of affordable housing and noted that current market discounts are insufficient for low-income earners. Boele supported the $2 billion infrastructure investment but urged that funding be directed to councils actively delivering housing supply, such as Ku-ring-gai and Willoughby.

Holzberger supported the motion, citing the $2 billion infrastructure commitment as a practical measure to unlock housing development in outer suburbs. Holzberger contrasted the current government's spending with the previous administration's lower investment in housing-enabling infrastructure and public housing. Holzberger argued that providing public housing is a significant productivity measure that helps control living costs and supports manufacturing industries. Holzberger also highlighted the government's efforts to reform the tax system to favour first-home buyers over investors.

Rebello criticised the government for focusing on past failures rather than executing its own plan, arguing that Australians are not seeing tangible benefits from housing investments. Rebello claimed that the government is behind target on home deliveries and that completions have decreased compared to the previous term. Rebello highlighted the Housing Australia Future Fund as a failure, noting that billions were tied up with minimal home deliveries. Rebello argued that the government has failed to reduce regulatory burdens, such as the National Construction Code, which increase construction costs.

Coker supported the motion, illustrating the impact of the five per cent deposit scheme through a local example in Corangamite. Coker emphasised that the $2 billion Local Infrastructure Fund is essential for delivering water and power connections to support new housing projects. Coker stated that the government's approach contrasts with the previous administration's inaction and that active government intervention is required to solve the housing challenge. Coker highlighted specific infrastructure projects in the Bellarine and Surf Coast regions as part of the broader strategy.

Le questioned the government's ability to deliver on housing promises, citing a forecasted shortfall of 262,000 homes and a lack of progress in meeting targets. Le argued that cuts to apprenticeship support would exacerbate workforce shortages in the construction industry, hindering the delivery of new homes. Le highlighted the high cost of taxes and regulatory charges on new homes, suggesting these should be reduced to improve affordability. Le criticised the distribution of the Local Infrastructure Fund, arguing that growth areas like Fowler are often overlooked in favour of marginal seats.