Answers to Questions

Stewart defended the government's housing record, stating that the five per cent deposit scheme would help first home buyers enter the market sooner. Stewart dismissed opposition criticism as a scare campaign, noting that billionaires were unlikely to use the scheme and that it was designed for those struggling to save. Stewart highlighted that the Family Home Guarantee for single parents would continue with a two per cent deposit option. Stewart argued that the opposition had consistently blocked supply-side measures, including build-to-rent initiatives, while the government delivered real progress on housing and economic stability.

Chandler criticised the government for holding roundtables without producing concrete policy actions to address complex issues like housing and productivity. Chandler described the idea of a tax on spare bedrooms, which had been raised in discussions, as odd and something the government should have ruled out immediately. Chandler argued that Australians wanted solutions rather than further discussion, noting that the government had spent three years identifying problems without delivering effective fixes. Chandler stated that the time for talking was over and that the government needed to articulate specific plans to improve the tax system and housing supply.

Walker denied that the government was considering a tax on spare bedrooms, calling the opposition's claims dishonest and unrelated to the roundtable discussions. Walker outlined immediate actions taken to boost housing supply, including pausing the National Construction Code and clearing a backlog of over 26,000 homes awaiting federal environmental approval. Walker highlighted the government's economic achievements, including record job creation, wage growth, and improved budget positions, alongside a $43 billion investment in housing. Walker emphasised that the roundtable aimed to build consensus on productivity and regulatory burden reduction to improve living standards.

Henderson argued that removing caps and income restrictions from the Home Guarantee Scheme would drive up house prices and lock out low-income buyers. Henderson claimed the change opened the scheme to well-off Australians who did not need support, creating unfair competition for those struggling to make ends meet. Henderson cited estimates that the policy could increase house prices by up to six per cent and impose a contingent liability of up to $60 billion on taxpayers. Henderson criticised the government's housing record, stating that construction rates had fallen under Labor and that the policy was a reckless departure from the targeted approach originally introduced by the coalition.