Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Housing

Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Pauline Hanson moved a motion to take note of the Minister representing the Treasurer's answer regarding foreign ownership of housing. She argued that the housing crisis was caused by mass migration and high levels of foreign investment, contradicting government claims that foreign ownership was minimal. Hanson criticised the government's housing fund for administrative costs and questioned whether foreign investors were complying with tax obligations. The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

Outcome

The motion was 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

Pauline Hanson (QLD) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

Hanson argued that the housing crisis was the result of mass migration, citing two million arrivals during the current term. Hanson disputed the Minister's claim that foreign ownership was at 0.05 per cent, referencing an ANZ estimate of 400,000 homes owned by foreigners in 2017 and agent estimates of 10 per cent of purchases. Hanson questioned whether foreign investors were paying capital gains tax and negative gearing obligations, suggesting revenue was leaving the country. Hanson characterised the government's approach to Australian homeowners as a political grab for election purposes.