Greens and Labor Remain Deadlocked Over Housing Crisis, No Reset in Sight

The political divide over housing persists as the Greens challenge the new minister to review the government’s policies, such as a rent freeze and increased funding for public housing.

Max Chandler-Mather, the Greens’ housing spokesperson, expressed disappointment with the new housing minister’s response to his calls for discussions to address the housing crisis. He criticized Labor for maintaining their existing housing policies and only changing the spokesperson.

Clare O’Neil transitioned from the home affairs portfolio to the housing and homelessness role in a recent ministerial reshuffle.

Chandler-Mather sent an open letter urging the minister to reconsider the government’s stance on negotiating with the Greens concerning the housing crisis, which he described as one of the worst in the country’s history.

Both the Greens and the Coalition oppose key aspects of government housing legislation, including the “help to buy” shared equity scheme and tax adjustments to incentivize build-to-rent developments.

Both parties advocate for different solutions—rent controls and increased social housing are favored by the Greens, while the opposition aims to boost home ownership through utilizing superannuation funds for property purchases.

Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt accused the Greens of hindering Labor’s efforts to build new homes and delay the Housing Australia Future Fund. He emphasized the need for more housing rather than political posturing.

Chandler-Mather criticized the government for prioritizing tax incentives for property developers and investors instead of investing directly in public and affordable housing.

He urged Minister Clare O’Neil to take concrete actions to address the housing crisis affecting millions of people rather than making empty promises.