Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Housing Australia Amendment (Transparency and Reporting) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026

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

At a glance

The debate focused on the introduction of the Housing Australia Amendment (Transparency and Reporting) Bill 2026, which aims to impose strict quarterly reporting requirements on Housing Australia. The sole speaker, Andrew Bragg, argued that the government's housing policies have failed to increase supply and that the agency lacks financial accountability. He cited data indicating a significant shortfall in housing construction and high costs associated with government programs. The bill seeks to mandate detailed public reporting on expenditures, guarantees, and board decisions to ensure transparency. The debate was adjourned after the initial speech, with no final vote recorded in the transcript.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned after the second reading speech was delivered.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Andrew Bragg (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Bragg supported the bill, arguing it was necessary to address a lack of transparency and accountability in Housing Australia's operations. Bragg claimed the government had failed to meet housing targets, citing a shortfall of 112,000 homes against a target of 1.2 million and noting that dwelling stock growth had lagged behind population increases. Bragg criticised the Housing Australia Future Fund for delivering only 1,432 homes after spending over $11.5 billion, with nearly half being existing purchases rather than new builds. Bragg highlighted high construction costs and administrative expenses as evidence of waste and inefficiency within the agency.