Cost of Living Discussions in the House of Reps (28/08/2025)

• Cost of Living and Housing Affordability Discussion

Several members of Parliament raised significant concerns regarding the growing cost of living, with several contributing to the dialogue on housing affordability and governmental action:

• Freelander, Mike MP (p. 42) opened discussions on the federal government’s social housing policies, questioning their effectiveness and suggesting the opposition favors wealthier demographics over middle- and lower-class Australians.
• Neumann, Shayne MP also highlighted housing crisis concerns, critiquing the current government’s approach and advocating for enhanced social housing initiatives (p. 42).
• McCormack, Michael MP from the National Party pointed to the impact of rising migration on housing shortages, arguing that the Labor Party’s housing policies are ineffective amid these challenges (p. 44).
• Mascarenhas, Zaneta MP defended the government’s housing initiatives, notably emphasizing plans to build 1.2 million homes and the removal of caps on first home buyer deposit schemes, aimed at making housing more accessible (p. 45).
• Abdo, Basem MP discussed measures intended to reduce housing costs, endorsing a five-percent deposit scheme for first-time homebuyers as a step towards improving living standards (p. 46).
• The dialogue highlighted a contrast in perspectives on economic management related to the housing sector, with critiques aimed at both the affordability of housing and the broader cost of living. Rising energy prices and mortgage repayment burdens were also discussed, amplifying the urgency surrounding these issues (p. 49).
• Housing Australia Investment Mandate (p. 35): An address by Madeleine King, MP, reinforced the government’s commitment to increasing housing supply and addressing affordability through strategic infrastructure development, particularly in northern Australia.
• Home Guarantee Scheme: Multiple members supported the scheme enabling first-home buyers to secure properties with minimal deposits, recognizing the pressing need for affordable housing solutions as prices continue to rise (p. 37 onward).
• The ongoing discussion reflects a broader call for a comprehensive response to the housing crisis, with suggestions for reform in regulations to encourage the building of public housing and affordable rental projects, signaling the critical intersection of housing policy and overall living conditions for Australians (p. 42, 74-75).
• Challenges in the Construction Sector (Pages 72-73): There was reference to the rising building costs linked to union actions and the challenges faced by construction companies in achieving housing delivery targets set forth by the National Housing Accord. This context adds to discussions on addressing the housing affordability crisis.

Overall, the proceedings demonstrated a strong emphasis on the need for significant policy initiatives aimed at addressing housing affordability and cost-of-living issues, highlighting varying governmental approaches and the necessity for further action to meet the housing demands of the Australian population.