Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Housing

Senate · Thursday 28 August 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senators debated the government's responses to questions on housing and energy costs. Senator Cox defended the government's housing record, citing specific construction figures and investment programs. Senator Canavan criticised the government for rising electricity prices, arguing that renewable energy investments had failed to lower costs as promised. The debate concluded with the question being agreed to.

Outcome

Question agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Dorinda Cox (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Cox argued that the government was actively addressing the housing crisis through significant investment in social and affordable rental homes. Cox stated that 55,000 homes were being delivered, with 28,000 in construction or planning and over 4,000 already completed. Cox highlighted that agreements for 18,650 residences had been secured during the initial phases of the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund. Cox also referenced the $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator payment and the $1 billion National Housing Infrastructure Facility as key components of the supply strategy. Cox noted that the government had implemented the Help to Buy scheme to assist first home buyers with a five per cent deposit guarantee.