Zali Steggall (Warringah, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Housing—or the Treasurer in her stead. Warringah contains some of the most expensive land in the country, contributing to a shortage of crisis accommodation and social and affordable housing. The government has announced plans to divest part of HMAS Penguin land at Balmoral in Warringah and intends to seek full market value, prompting concerns the land will be sold to wealthy developers for luxury apartments and not address issues of public, social and affordable houses or crisis accommodation. Will the minister take steps to ensure this public asset is used for social benefit?

Jim Chalmers (Rankin, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thanks very much, Mr Speaker, and to the honourable member for her question. I will speak to colleagues about that specific parcel of land that the honourable member refers to. I know that you've raised it with us in good faith, and we will check it out. On our approach to social housing more broadly, we've built about 5,000 social and affordable homes already. There are another 25,000 in planning or construction. That's because, unlike our predecessors, we are taking this housing challenge very seriously. We know that in different communities around Australia there are different opportunities to build more social and community housing. As we go about that important task, we'll be as consultive as we can be.