Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian Greens will not be supporting this motion, mainly because the second part, which goes to the issue of land supply, asks the Senate to agree that land supply is the principal cause of worsening housing affordability. I think that is, unfortunately, flat wrong. There is no question that it is a factor, but that kind of oversimplification of the housing—

Senator Day interjecting—

What would you know? When was the last time you visited, Senator Day, a mining town in the north-west of Western Australia? It is not simply land supply—

Honourable senators interjecting—

You might learn something if you just settle down. In some markets, it is population growth, the mining boom and construction costs. What about a tax system that has pitted investors against young first home buyers? A simple-minded concentration on land supply is stranding many young families—far from jobs, services and public transport—a long way from town. It is much more complex than this motion would indicate.