Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Stewart for her question. I know she has a great interest in housing and homelessness issues in the great state of Victoria. Of course, today the government has announced investment in more than 13,700 new social and affordable homes across Australia. It shows that the Commonwealth is back in the game of directly supporting new housing rights right across the country. After a decade of the coalition failing Australians at the Commonwealth level, this is the biggest investment in social and affordable housing in over a decade. We want more homes because that will reduce long-term rental queues across the country and make renting more affordable for everyone. We know the importance of having a roof over your head. Our Prime Minister is a testament to that story. His entire life was changed by his ability to access secure housing.

The industry supports our announcement. Today, the Community Housing Industry Association said:

This announcement represents solid progress we wholeheartedly commend.

While the Property Council said:

The announcement of funding for nearly 14,000 social and affordable homes will transform the lives of many Australians who dream of a home of their own …

The Albanese Labor government is committed to building more homes, more affordable homes, and we are getting on with the job, just as we are with electoral reform.