Taxation

Stewart dismissed the motion as a scare campaign, stating that the spare bedroom tax was never mentioned at the roundtable. Stewart highlighted the government's housing achievements, including the construction of more than 500,000 homes and a $43 billion investment in housing supply. Stewart noted that building approvals had risen by almost 30 per cent and dwelling commencements by 14 per cent, arguing that the government was actively addressing housing challenges rather than proposing punitive taxes.

Hodgins-May criticised the Coalition for using scare tactics to distract from their lack of housing solutions, while also condemning the Labor government for tinkering with policies like the home deposit scheme. Hodgins-May argued that real action required scrapping negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount to ease the housing crisis. Hodgins-May further raised concerns about the Victorian Labor government's plan to demolish public housing towers and prioritise funding for AUKUS-related housing over domestic needs.

Roberts supported the motion, expressing concern that the government might force Australians with spare bedrooms to house new arrivals or face penalties. Roberts argued that the housing shortage was growing and that a moratorium on new buildings would be a more sensible approach. Roberts called for the Prime Minister to clearly exclude any fresh levies on the family residence, such as land tax and bedroom tax, citing fears that elderly Australians could be forced out of their homes.

Henderson argued that the government's failure to rule out the spare bedroom tax was alarming, especially given the Prime Minister's previous commitment to no new taxes before the 2028 election. Henderson highlighted concerns about land tax changes in Victoria affecting homeowners with small businesses, suggesting this demonstrated a pattern of attacking family homes. Henderson pointed to the discrepancy between the Prime Minister's stance and the Treasurer's refusal to rule out new taxes, citing a study showing many houses are occupied by few people.

Brown characterised the motion as a dishonest distraction by an opposition lacking a credible housing policy. Brown reiterated that the spare bedroom tax was not under consideration and highlighted the government's $43 billion housing investment and the construction of over 500,000 homes. Brown announced that the five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers would commence on 1 October, allowing buyers to enter the market with lower deposits and without lender's mortgage insurance.