Cost of Living Discussions in the House of Reps (30/07/2025)

• Cost of Living and Housing Affordability Issues: The issue of housing affordability was a prominent topic during the parliamentary session on July 30, 2025. Members expressed urgent calls for creative solutions to the ongoing housing crisis, underscoring its impact on everyday Australians.
• Key Contributions:
• Nicolette Boele (Bradfield) emphasized that housing is a fundamental human right. She cited alarming statistics regarding homelessness and urged the government to take action on increasing housing supply and affordability. Boele also advocated for vocational training initiatives to create skilled labor for home construction (Page 65-66).
• Josh Burns (Macnamara) supported Boele’s motion, stressing the necessity for government investment to ensure that adequate housing is available for all Australians (Page 66).
• Sharon Claydon (MP) and Kate Chaney (MP) raised concerns about the difficulties faced by young people and low-income families in affording housing. They suggested reforms regarding capital gains tax and negative gearing as measures to improve the situation (Pages 68-69).
• Community and Economic Impacts: Barnaby Joyce (New England) critiqued the government’s energy policies, highlighting the negative effects of energy costs on families in regional areas. He called for tailored energy solutions to aid those impacted by rising costs and to enhance the efficiency of construction and infrastructure projects (Pages 105-106).
• Legislative Proposals and Discussions: The session also included a broader discussion about recent legislative efforts aimed at addressing housing and economic impacts, including implications of potential reforms in various legislation affecting workers’ rights and local economies (Pages 19-22).
• Government Accountability: The MPs emphasized the need for heightened government accountability in addressing the housing crisis and related cost of living concerns, urging collaborative efforts to secure a more accessible housing market for vulnerable populations.

The parliamentary discussions indicated a clear recognition of the challenges surrounding housing affordability and cost of living, with multiple members advocating for proactive and innovative solutions to these pressing issues.