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

I thank Senator O'Neill for her ongoing interest in the issue of housing and homelessness. Our government understands that too many Australians are facing serious cost-of-living challenges, and many are struggling to buy a home or afford the rent. After a decade of inaction by the Liberals and the Nationals, it's clear that Australia doesn't have enough homes, and we haven't for a very long time. That is why the government has a goal of building 1.2 million homes by the end of the decade through our Homes for Australia Plan. That's a plan which experts say will improve affordability and reduce cost-of-living pressures for renters and homebuyers.

I'm just about to tell you, Senator Cash. The budget includes $6.2 billion in new investment to build more homes and support Australians, bringing our government's new housing initiative to $32 billion. I will repeat that—$32 billion. And as a part of this, we have committed $1 billion to get homes built sooner. Homes for women and children fleeing family violence—