Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Faruqi for her question. I note her sincere concern about the plight of renters in this country, which the Albanese government shares with you. Of course, this government has been coming to the parliament with solutions to the difficult issue of housing in this country. We know that a lot of people across Australia are struggling right now to find an affordable place to rent. We hear their concerns and we hear your concerns, Senator Faruqi. We are acting to address them. The answer to rental stress is a sustained boost in the supply of homes to rent and a substantial investment in new social and affordable houses. That's what this government is aiming to do, Senator Faruqi. The government struck a national housing accord between all levels of government, investors and industry to build the affordable homes our country desperately needs to boost the supply of new houses. In addition to the accord, we've now passed legislation for the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund through the House of Representatives, although I note not yet the Senate. Our ambitious reform agenda, to deliver more social and affordable homes right across the country, includes the widening of the National Housing Infrastructure Facility with up to $575 million available to invest in more social and affordable— (Time expired)