Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Hansard source

I do not see housing listed as a direct Commonwealth responsibility. Like so many other matters, it is a joint area of activity for the Commonwealth and the states. Given my own experience in the city of Melbourne, if the Greens were not imposing limits on land release and constant hikes in taxes on developers that actually force up the price of housing at the state level and at the local level, then this would be something that would not be as difficult as it is. Senator Rhiannon: just because there is an issue it does not make it a Commonwealth responsibility or give the Commonwealth power to directly and solely address it, despite your wish. Be accountable for what your representatives do at state and local government levels that directly impact on the cost of land release, the development of new housing and the price that people pay to rent or own their own home.