Peter Khalil (Wills, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week I visited the opening of LIV Albert, a build-to-rent apartment complex in my electorate of Wills. I was accompanied by my good friend the member for Macnamara, Josh Burns. We toured this $330 million project, which sits in the heart of Brunswick, which is in the heart of my electorate of Wills. The complex boasts 498 new apartments and is designed specifically for renters. Build-to-rent sites bridge the gap between buying and renting in the Australian property market, creating a viable option for those who don't, or choose not to, own a home.

While we were there, I met Nicole and Esteban, a young couple from Chile who have decided to call Australia home. They will be among the first residents at the site. Nicole and Esteban explained to me how they absolutely love the committee and lifestyle of living in Brunswick and how being able to rent at this site will allow them affordable access to a suburb and a part of Melbourne that they know and love. That's what build to rent is all about—allowing people to make communities they love their homes, with the security and stability for longer lease lengths.

Since we formed government, over 5,000 social and affordable homes have now been completed with federal government investment. This is a stark contrast to the chronic shortage of social and affordable homes built under the previous coalition government. In nine years, the previous government managed to build—wait for it—373. We have made a $43 billion commitment to our housing agenda, with $20.7 billion now committed to projects that lock in lower rents for decades to come. This all builds on another huge week for housing investment in this country, where we have cut red tape for more homes, brought forward the five per cent deposits for more first home buyers and made more progress on social and affordable housing.

Earlier this week in Canberra I had the pleasure of meeting one of my constituents, Joshua Seymour. Josh travelled to Canberra for the launch of the 2026 Team Australia training squad. He will represent Australia at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in China next year. WorldSkills Australia is an important social enterprise in this country which is dedicated to identifying, demonstrating and promoting skills excellence across the nation.

When we were elected in 2022, the Albanese government faced the worst skill shortage in 50 years. Meeting this challenge has been, and remains, a high priority for our government. As part of our National Skills Agreement, over $34 billion in combined investment with state and territory governments will strengthen and transform the VET sector. This includes the establishment of 12 TAFE centres of excellence to provide the vital skills we need in critical parts of our economy.

I wish Josh and the entire Australian team the absolute best of luck. He's going to be doing refrigerating, cooling and air conditioning; I reckon he's going to win his competition. Go Australia!

Ben Small (Forrest, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 193, the time for members' statements has concluded.