Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I could make the obvious point that the major threat to many people in home affordability is the loss of jobs brought about by the New South Wales, Queensland and Victorian governments slashing public service jobs. But it is the case that we need to bring more houses onto the market. That is what our housing policy is seeking to deliver. But it is also a question of private housing supply. It is the case that the domestic construction industry is flat at the moment. That reflects, I think, the issue of consumer confidence, which is not strong despite the very strong economic conditions that exist, the low levels of unemployment and the low levels of interest rates. We have not seen home construction at the same levels that we might have in the past. (Time expired)