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

Cost of Living and Housing Affordability Issues

Housing Investment Probity Bill 2024
– Senator Katy Gallagher (ALP) initiated discussions on the Housing Investment Probity Bill 2024, highlighting its aim to address housing investment complexities tied to the CFMEU through the Cbus superannuation fund. This bill was met with mixed reactions from parliamentary members. (Page 1, Page 3)

Concerns from the Opposition
– Senator Malcolm Roberts (PHON) critiqued the bill, calling it misguided due to the CFMEU’s association and historical issues. He proposed alternative housing strategies that avoid government market interventions. (Page 3)

• Senator Maria Kovacic (LP) raised alarms about potential risks to the superannuation fund’s integrity due to its union ties, stating concerns remained unaddressed by the government. (Page 4)
• Senator Cash (LP) supported Senator Bragg’s critique of the bill, arguing the necessity of separating taxpayer funds from union influences to enhance accountability in housing investments. (Page 6)

Critiques of Government Policy
– Liberal Party senators expressed skepticism about the government’s housing policies, citing a failure to deliver promised housing initiatives and emphasizing the need for reforms that produce tangible outcomes rather than just headline policies. Senator Duniam specifically criticized legislative costs related to these housing measures. (Page 10)

Rising Homelessness
– Senator Andrew Bragg highlighted the increasing homelessness rates, attributing it to the government failing to boost housing completions despite population growth. He criticized the numerous regulations that obstruct efforts to improve housing affordability. (Page 36)

• The challenges surrounding housing affordability and the government’s response were discussed broadly, with remarks made on the inadequacies of existing housing policies. (Page 36)

Housing Australia Future Fund Accountability
– Senator Paul Scarr (LP) expressed concerns over the lack of housing construction output from the Housing Australia Future Fund and questioned the government’s transparency regarding its effectiveness. (Page 62-63)

Discussion of Economic Impacts
– Various senators discussed the broader economic pressures affecting housing markets. For instance, Senator Alex Antic (LP) noted how financial instability impacts young Australians’ ability to reach traditional milestones, indirectly linking these struggles to the wider housing affordability crisis. (Page 64)

Conclusion

The parliamentary discussions reflected ongoing challenges regarding the cost of living and housing affordability in Australia, with significant debates on government policies, proposed legislation, and the impact of economic factors on individuals and families. The session indicated a pressing need for effective strategies to address the housing crisis and improve living conditions for Australians facing rising costs.