The political divide over housing persists as the Greens challenge the new minister to reconsider the government’s policies, including a rent freeze and increased funding for public housing.
Greens’ housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather expressed his disappointment with the newly appointed housing minister’s response to his calls for revisiting solutions to the housing crisis.
“It shows that Labor has not changed its failed housing policies; they have simply brought in a new spokesperson,” he told Sky News on Sunday.
Clare O’Neil transitioned from the home affairs portfolio to the housing and homelessness role in a ministerial reshuffle last month.
Following her appointment, Chandler-Mather sent an open letter urging her to reconsider the government’s refusal to engage in housing negotiations with the Greens amidst one of the most severe housing and rental crises in the country’s history.
Both the Greens and the Coalition oppose key government housing legislation, such as the “help to buy” shared equity scheme and tax adjustments to encourage build-to-rent developments.
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Both parties advocate for different solutions—the Greens support rent controls and increased social housing, while the opposition aims to boost home ownership by allowing buyers to utilize their superannuation funds.
Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt accused the Greens of constantly seeking excuses to hinder Labor’s housing initiatives.
“It took a long time to convince them to support our Housing Australia Future Fund, which will construct thousands of new homes. They are currently obstructing legislation in the Senate that would assist renters in purchasing their own homes and aid developers in building more rental properties,” he stated on Sky News on Sunday.
“What we need now are more homes rather than political posturing.”
Chandler-Mather criticized the government for prioritizing tax benefits for property developers and investors over direct investments in public and affordable housing.
“The new minister, Clare O’Neil, claims to care about those facing hardship,” he remarked.
“Well, demonstrate that care by taking tangible actions to assist the millions of individuals affected by the housing crisis,” he stated on Sunday.
