Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Gold taps were one of the things, yes. It overheated the market. It meant people were paying more to get homes built and homes repaired than what it used to cost because there was this free money getting thrown around without concern. So many people entered the previous coalition government scheme only to find out it was shortened because of the delay, because of COVID and because of a whole range of things, such as shortages in workforce and supplies. That left some people with signed contracts that wouldn't be completed on time, and therefore they lost the ability to access that support.

What's important is putting people at the centre of this. We're trying to find ways to give people like the lady I talked about security and peace of mind. We know quite a few people who have multiple houses, including some that sit over there and preach that no-one should have a house and that it should all be social. We've got to look at how we find the best way to help people get security. Buying a home when you've got have a trusted partner like government to help and support you is so important.

The story I read was a meaningful story, and no-one should, in good conscience, stand in the way of making housing more affordable. No political point is more important than providing housing security to our most vulnerable. It's a shame that the Liberal and the Nationals and the Greens continually form their new coalition to prevent better access to housing. I think about how in my time here there's never been a public housing program that they haven't opposed. They don't like support for public housing. The new tree/tory coalition will never stand up for hardworking Australians. They continue to block important legislation to increase access to homeownership. This new coalition doesn't stand up for working-class Australians. It simply prioritises cheap political points over housing security. Just look at the antics of the member for Griffith the last time housing was brought up.

After years of inaction in housing that has left the market almost impenetrable for many Australians, we will continue to look for new ways to legislate and to make entering the housing market more achievable for the average Australian. This bill is one of the many ways the Albanese Labor government is honouring our commitment to tackle the housing issue across the country, and I commend the bill to the House.

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