Housing

Ryan acknowledged the need for more housing but criticised state planning reforms for lacking evidence that they deliver affordable housing. Ryan argued that current developments often target affluent buyers rather than essential workers or low-income households, citing the lack of enforceable mechanisms for affordable housing in high-value areas. Ryan highlighted concerns about inadequate community consultation and the circumvention of affordable housing requirements through cash contributions to state funds.

France supported the motion, noting that home prices in South-East Queensland had more than doubled since 2020, making ownership difficult for young people. France highlighted that over 32,000 Brisbane locals had become first home owners through the five per cent deposit scheme and 927 through Help to Buy. France also pointed to increases in Commonwealth Rent Assistance and investments in housing infrastructure, while arguing that changes to negative gearing had levelled the playing field for first home buyers against investors.

Venning argued that the government was failing to meet its target of 1.2 million homes, with current completion rates significantly below the required 240,000 per year. Venning cited rising mortgage costs, noting that interest repayments now consume 7.8 per cent of household disposable income, and reported a fivefold increase in first home buyers entering negative equity. Venning claimed that Labor's tax policies would result in 35,000 fewer homes being built and contributed to the insolvency of nearly 13,000 construction businesses, advocating instead for capping migration and cutting red tape.