Clare O'Neil

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that the government had delivered a pro-supply budget supporting up to 30,000 additional homes over the next decade. She cited Budget Paper No. 1 and ABS data showing that new investor loans for new builds were at record highs, with a 27.5 per cent increase. She noted that housing approvals had risen 9.1 per cent for the third consecutive year, contrasting this with the 21 per cent fall in approvals under the previous government.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister shared the story of a single mother and victim of domestic violence who had moved into a new government-built home, providing her family with safety and stability after multiple moves. She announced $300 million in new funding for crisis and transitional housing, completing a total $1.2 billion investment package aimed at supporting 19,000 vulnerable Australians. She emphasised the importance of stable housing for young people experiencing homelessness, citing the positive impact on individuals like Sienna, who had attended a press conference to discuss her experience.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that the government had implemented the largest housing agenda since the postwar period, focusing on building more homes, assisting renters, and promoting homeownership. She claimed supply measures would result in an additional 400,000 homes, including 55,000 social and affordable homes, contrasting this with the previous government's record of building only 373 homes in nine years. The minister highlighted that Commonwealth rent assistance had been raised twice above legislated increases and noted that 270,000 first-home buyers had accessed the five per cent deposit scheme. She argued that recent tax changes would reverse the decline in homeownership rates.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister highlighted the five per cent deposit scheme and housing tax reforms that had supported 270,000 first-home buyers. She criticized opposition and One Nation proposals to allow superannuation withdrawals for housing, arguing these policies would increase costs and lead to more Australians retiring into poverty. She stated that the government's approach protected retirement savings while helping people buy homes, ensuring Australians did not have to choose between current security and future dignity.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister confirmed that house prices were softening, noting this was the fourth such occurrence in a decade. She cited the federal budget fact sheet, which stated Treasury modelling predicted a small, temporary slowing in price growth, estimated at around two per cent less over a couple of years compared to no policy change. She argued this would lead to 75,000 more people owning their homes in the coming ten years. She contextualised current trends by noting house prices had grown by 400 per cent over the previous 25 years and almost doubled in Sydney during the previous nine years of Coalition government.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister highlighted the construction of 19 new social homes in the member's electorate and the recent announcement of $600 million for approximately 1,000 new crisis homes. She noted that the funding was split between supporting women and children fleeing family violence and young people at risk of homelessness. The Minister emphasized the importance of stable housing for safety and stability. She affirmed that the government was making progress in delivering real change to the housing situation.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister rejected the premise, stating that Ray White had explicitly clarified they were not forecasting a 30 per cent rent rise. She noted that the opposition had previously misquoted the National Australia Bank on similar issues. The minister argued that the government had decades of advocacy for renters and was implementing comprehensive reforms to support them, including building more homes and improving rental standards, while accusing the opposition of defending a broken system.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that reforms aimed to help first home buyers and encourage new home building. She cited data showing a 27 per cent increase in investor lending for new dwellings and a 15 per cent drop in lending for existing homes. She quoted banking executives supporting the reforms and argued that the opposition's policies would defend a broken system, whereas the government was addressing housing insecurity for young people.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister clarified that only citizens and permanent residents were eligible, not temporary residents. She argued that permanent residents were valuable contributors to the workforce and community. She criticized the Leader of the Opposition for making false claims about eligibility and stated that 260,000 people had accessed the scheme, emphasizing the government's commitment to housing affordability.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister described the housing crisis as a result of 40 years of policy failures, noting 400 per cent house price growth over 25 years. She criticized the opposition for not raising Commonwealth Rent Assistance or addressing rental standards during their nine years in office. She argued that the government's policies were designed to help renters achieve homeownership and that the opposition's approach would create an unfair market.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister referred to the Prime Minister's clarification regarding the National Australia Bank's statement. She stated that Treasury advice indicated a negligible impact on rents because existing landlords were grandfathered. She highlighted that the government had lifted Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 50 per cent, negotiated improved rental standards, and aimed to help 75,000 renters enter homeownership. She quoted an advocacy group stating that investor tax breaks had fueled the housing crisis.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that government housing tax reforms would reverse a decade of decline in homeownership rates, enabling 750,000 households to access home ownership. She noted that house prices had risen by 400 per cent over the previous 25 years and argued that low-income young couples were now half as likely to own a home compared to when she was born. The minister asserted that the government's policies were designed to benefit young Australians and restore fairness to the housing market.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that there had been more first home buyers each year under the current government than under any previous administration. She highlighted that the five per cent deposit program had assisted 260,000 Australians and that recent tax reforms would help 75,000 rental households purchase their first home. She argued that first home buyers were now on a level playing field at auctions, citing recent sales in Footscray and Wills as evidence of increased activity.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that almost 612,000 constituents had accessed their first home with government support. She highlighted a $2 billion investment in last-mile infrastructure to build 65,000 homes and landmark tax reforms. She identified the opposition's proposal to allow raiding superannuation for home purchases as a risk, citing economist Saul Eslake's criticism of the idea. She argued that such policies would push house prices higher and transfer wealth from young to older generations.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister defended the housing tax reforms, stating they level the playing field for first-home buyers. She claimed the reforms would reverse declining home ownership rates and help 75,000 households escape the rent trap. She highlighted the five per cent deposit scheme, which has helped 260,000 Australians into homes.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister outlined the $47 billion housing agenda, including the five per cent deposit scheme and tax reforms. She criticised the opposition for suggesting low-income Australians should accept substandard housing, citing comments from the shadow housing minister. She emphasised the government's commitment to safe, decent homes for all Australians.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister announced a $308 million investment for 448 new crisis and transitional homes, providing safe housing for 22,000 women and children. She noted this was part of a $1.2 billion investment in crisis housing and 7,200 social and affordable homes. She contrasted this with the previous government, which built only nine crisis homes over nine years, arguing that opposition rhetoric lacked action.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister cited the success of the five per cent deposit scheme, which has helped 260,000 Australians buy homes, and the Help to Buy program assisting 10,000 people annually. She shared an anecdote about a family in Tasmania who purchased a home through the scheme. She criticized the opposition for opposing these measures and defending investor subsidies.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that legislation passed the previous week delivered tax cuts for 13 million workers and created a level playing field for first home buyers, aiming to help 75,000 renters purchase homes. She noted that Treasury modelling predicted house prices would continue to grow but at a slower rate, approximately two percentage points less than otherwise, a figure supported by the Commonwealth Bank and the Grattan Institute. The Minister emphasized government support for first home buyers through the five per cent deposit program, Help to Buy, and the new tax reforms.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister directed the member to the budget documents, specifically page 5 of the factsheet on capital gains tax and negative gearing. She quoted Treasury modelling indicating that reforms would increase the owner-occupier share of the market by around 75,000 over the next decade, reversing ten years of decline in home ownership rates. The Minister stated that the reduction in investor demand was expected to cause a small, temporary slowing in house price growth, estimated at around two per cent less over a couple of years compared to no policy change.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister highlighted that over 2,000 people in the member's electorate had accessed their first home with government assistance. She described the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, the five per cent deposit program, and new legislation to ensure a level playing field at auctions. The Minister stated that these measures would help 75,000 households move from renting to owning. She contrasted this with the opposition's vote against these measures, claiming they opposed expanding the deposit program and scrapping Help to Buy, thereby disadvantaging first home buyers.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister defended the legislation, stating it delivered tax cuts for 13 million workers and levelled the playing field for first home buyers. She cited Treasury advice that house prices would continue to rise but at a rate approximately two percentage points slower than otherwise. She highlighted that the changes would enable 75,000 Australians to transition from renting to homeownership. She criticised the opposition for ignoring the housing crisis during their nine years in government.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated that the premise of the question was factually and utterly incorrect.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister reiterated that the recent legislation delivered tax cuts and levelled the playing field for first home buyers. She cited Treasury modelling showing house prices would rise but at a rate two percentage points slower than otherwise. She stated that the changes would help 75,000 rental households become first home owners. She criticised the opposition for not supporting these changes to address the broken housing market.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The minister stated she was not changing her answer to this repeated question. She defended the recent legislation as supporting first home buyers and part of a broader housing agenda. She highlighted that homeownership rates were falling, with low-income young couples half as likely to own homes compared to previous decades. She criticised the opposition for defending a broken status quo and failing to support first home buyers.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister highlighted legislation aimed at leveling the playing field for first-home buyers and delivering tax cuts for all workers. She argued that the previous housing market structure favored investors, leading to a 400 per cent rise in house prices and declining homeownership rates for young people. She framed the current legislative choice as one between rewarding hard work or maintaining a system dependent on inherited wealth, asserting that the government's approach supported aspiration and fairness.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister rejected the premise of the question as a misrepresentation of her previous statements. She reiterated that the housing market had favored investors for 25 years, causing a 400 per cent price increase and falling homeownership rates for young people. She argued that the government aimed to create a fairer market for first-home buyers and noted inconsistencies in the opposition's position, citing their shadow spokesperson's desire for price declines.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that the government was aware of the issues and working through them. She confirmed that arrangements for jointly owned assets in cases of inheritance and divorce would be addressed in subsequent legislation. She also noted that exemptions for income from genuine testamentary trusts would apply to the minimum tax on capital gains.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that the government had been aware of the issues for some time and that the Treasurer had discussed the deliberations. She confirmed that the matters would be addressed in the second tranche of legislation.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that the government was aware of the issues and working through them in the usual way. She confirmed that the matters would be resolved in future legislation.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister highlighted legislation before the parliament that would provide tax cuts and level the playing field for first home buyers. She stated that the opposition intended to vote against these measures. She noted that the opposition wanted to scrap the Help to Buy program, which assists 10,000 first home owners annually. She also mentioned their intention to reduce the five per cent deposit program, which has helped 260,000 Australians. She accused the opposition of wanting to subsidize investors over first home buyers.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that house prices had risen by 400 per cent over the last 25 years and that this trend must not continue. She argued that the housing market was broken and that the previous government had failed to address the issue. She noted that the previous government built only 373 social and affordable homes in nine years, with none in regional and rural Australia. She asserted that the current government was using all available levers to address the housing crisis.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that housing reforms were about the 28 million Australians outside parliament, not the 150 members. She accused the opposition of perpetuating a system that leaves young people behind. She noted that low-income young people were half as likely to own a home as they were when she was born. She asserted that the Labor Party would vote for tax cuts and a fairer housing market. She criticized the opposition for defending the status quo.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that nearly 270,000 Australians have entered homeownership through the five per cent deposit program, with over 115,000 first home buyers purchasing annually. She criticized the opposition for wanting to cut Help to Buy and roll back the five per cent deposit scheme. She noted that the opposition supports higher capital gains tax discounts for investors, which she argued disadvantages first home buyers. She highlighted that thousands of constituents in opposition electorates have benefited from government programs.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister noted that the average period required to accumulate a 20 per cent deposit in Sydney had risen to 17 years. She highlighted the Help to Buy scheme, which assists 10,000 families, and the five per cent deposit program, which has helped 260,000 Australians. She stated that budget measures would help another 75,000 Australians enter homeownership. The Minister cited examples of first home buyers winning at auctions with government support, arguing that the government was creating opportunities for young people.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that the government had completed more than 7,000 homes and had 23,000 in planning or construction. She highlighted recent construction starts in various electorates, totaling over 300 homes in the last six weeks alone. She argued that this pace exceeded the Coalition's output over a decade. She criticized the Opposition for neglecting social and affordable housing during their nine years in government, noting they built no such homes in regional and rural Australia.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister directed the member to page 6 of the budget fact sheet, which defined new builds. She listed examples of eligible new builds, such as apartments bought off the plan and duplexes replacing single houses. She clarified that established properties extended or granny flats built adjacent to established properties were not eligible for negative gearing. She criticized the Opposition for avoiding engagement on housing reform and for trying to undermine the legislation passed that morning.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that 250,000 people had accessed the First Home Guarantee. She clarified that temporary migrants were not eligible, and only Australian citizens and permanent residents could participate. She criticized the Opposition for blaming permanent residents for housing challenges and for making comments that could be interpreted as discriminatory against communities that had contributed to the country for decades.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that over 250,000 Australians had bought homes through the scheme, avoiding $2.3 billion in lenders mortgage insurance. She noted that 60 per cent of participants had larger deposits, 70 per cent were ahead on repayments, and one in four had exited the scheme. She criticized opposition parties for dismissing the program while the government supported first home buyers.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that housing reforms aim to create a fairer system for first-home buyers, workers, and taxpayers. She highlighted the five per cent deposit program to level the playing field with investors. She criticized the opposition for supporting the status quo and privilege, asserting that Labor supports aspiration and homeownership for ordinary Australians.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that a new dwelling is defined as one that genuinely adds to housing supply.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that migration has been reduced to almost half its post-COVID high. She argued that the primary issue is a lack of housing construction over 40 years, not migration. She highlighted the government's $47 billion housing policy aimed at building more homes. She criticized the opposition for failing to address the housing crisis during their nine years in government.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister described the Homes for Australia plan as a long-term strategy to rebuild the housing system, including tax reforms to create fair conditions for first-home buyers and provide tax cuts for workers. She emphasized that home ownership is a key aspiration for most families and that the tax changes aimed to build financial security. The Minister argued that the opposition sought to roll back these changes, which would perpetuate a system where home ownership depended on inherited wealth rather than personal effort.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that the government was leveling the playing field for first-home buyers and had helped a quarter of a million Australians get keys to their own homes. She announced an additional $2 billion investment in last-mile infrastructure to unlock 65,000 homes, building on previous commitments, and noted the delivery of 55,000 social and affordable homes. She criticized the opposition for doing nothing about the housing crisis during their nine years in government and for failing to build any social or affordable homes in regional Australia. She asserted that the government had the most ambitious housing plan in 70 years.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that experts, economists, and housing advocates support the reforms, which aim to level the playing field for first-home buyers. She cited positive comments from economist Saul Eslake, National Shelter, and former Liberal minister Rob Stokes. She argued that the coalition defends the broken status quo, while the government's plan, including the five per cent deposit program, supports both first-home buyers and new housing supply.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister reported that first-home buyers were increasingly successful at auctions, citing examples from St Kilda East, Yarraville, and Ardeer. She stated that hundreds of thousands of young people would own homes by the next election due to government policies. She identified the opposition's desire to scrap the five per cent deposit program and Help to Buy scheme as the primary risk to these efforts. She argued that the opposition was defending a broken system that excluded young people from homeownership.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that the government has the most ambitious housing agenda in 70 years, aimed at leveling the playing field and building more homes. She cited the five per cent deposit scheme, which has helped 240,000 Australians, and budget reforms to redirect investment toward new supply, supporting another 75,000 households. She criticized the Opposition for opposing these supports and seeking to abolish the five per cent deposit program and recent reforms, arguing that the status quo is not working for Australians.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that new housing commencements had risen 26 per cent in the last year. She highlighted $2 billion in the budget for enabling infrastructure, bringing total housing infrastructure investment to $6.3 billion. She claimed this was 50 times more than the previous government spent on housing infrastructure. She criticized the Opposition for not having a housing minister and for opposing previous housing measures.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister stated that homeownership rates were declining, particularly for younger Australians, with low-income young couples half as likely to own a home as in 1980. She highlighted the five per cent deposit program, which had reduced the time to save a deposit from 11 years to two or three, benefiting 240,000 Australians. The Minister noted that the homeownership package would help an additional 75,000 Australians transition from renting to homeownership. She identified the risk that the Liberal Party planned to oppose and unwind these reforms at the next election, contrasting this with the government's commitment to helping first home buyers.

Answer from Clare O'Neil

The Minister noted that construction was a major user of diesel and that fuel costs flowed directly to builders. She highlighted the importance of securing fuel supply through government actions like releasing reserves and adjusting standards. She mentioned support for small businesses in the construction sector through tax leniency. She noted that construction costs had risen from 17.3 per cent to 1.8 per cent since the government took office.