Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union

Whiteaker argued that the motion was a distraction from the coalition's historical failure to invest in housing supply. Whiteaker highlighted the government's $43 billion Homes for Australia Plan, which includes funding for 100,000 homes and incentives for construction apprentices. Whiteaker emphasised initiatives such as the Home Guarantee Scheme and the upcoming Help to Buy shared-equity scheme to assist first home buyers. Whiteaker maintained that the government was taking comprehensive action to increase housing supply and affordability.

Pocock criticised both major parties for failing to address the root causes of the housing crisis, including the treatment of housing as a speculative asset. Pocock argued that the government was not meeting its target of building 1.2 million homes and that homelessness had increased since the change in government. Pocock called for tax reforms, including the removal of the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing, as well as the implementation of rent caps. Pocock also advocated for direct investment in public and community housing to address the shortage of social housing.

Colbeck contended that the government's industrial relations legislation had facilitated the union's expansion into the housing market, leading to increased construction costs. Colbeck cited Treasury projections indicating the government would fail to meet its housing construction targets. Colbeck argued that the involvement of the union in projects resulted in cost blowouts, contradicting the government's promise of cheaper housing. Colbeck suggested that the government's inactivity was allowing the union to drive up prices for taxpayers and home buyers.

Whitten described the union as being associated with corruption and intimidation rather than worker welfare. Whitten argued that the union's involvement in residential construction would lead to skyrocketing costs due to demands for enhanced amenities on building sites. Whitten claimed that these additional costs would ultimately be borne by homeowners, undermining the dream of affordable homeownership. Whitten expressed concern that the union's tactics prioritised power and profit over the interests of workers and consumers.

Stewart argued that the opposition was using housing affordability as a pretext to attack unions, which she said have historically improved working conditions and pay. Stewart defended the government's record, noting that it had placed the union's construction division into administration to address corruption. Stewart highlighted the government's housing initiatives, including the expansion of the five per cent deposit scheme and the Help to Buy program. Stewart asserted that wages were not the primary driver of housing costs and criticised the coalition's proposal to allow superannuation access for housing purchases.

Scarr argued that the union's involvement in infrastructure and residential projects consistently led to significant cost blowouts, citing examples from Queensland. Scarr claimed that the union engaged in unlawful actions and intimidation, including targeting businesses involved in prefabricated construction. Scarr criticised the Greens' support for rent control, quoting economic literature to argue that such policies reduce housing supply and investment. Scarr maintained that the union was the last entity that should be involved in apartment construction due to its history of corruption and harassment.