Major ‘gamble’ on housing promise

Angry that the government attempted to ram through the legislation while the minor party was still negotiating with Labor, they said they wanted more from the package than what was offered.

The Greens want the $500 million cap for investment in social and affordable housing increased to $5 billion a year; and an immediate doubling of Commonwealth rent assessment.

Housing Minister Julie Collins’ three Bills passed the house between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, which would establish the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund and set up the housing supply and affordability council.

The Greens abstained from the vote on Wednesday night which focused specifically on the fund.

Liberal Bridget Archer crossed the floor to support the government.

With the Coalition firmly opposed to the bill, the government is under pressure to strike a deal with the Greens to wave it through the senate.

Labor does not have the numbers in the upper house and without the support of the Greens and two other crossbenchers, the bill cannot pass.

Ms Collins said on Wednesday the legislation was “desperately needed” and reiterated her disappointment in the minor party for not supporting the legislation.

“This is a turning point for housing in our country, but it has sadly been blighted by those who voted no to more social and affordable housing,” she said.

“This is vital investment in the future of housing in our country. We know it is desperately needed, and we will continue to work hard to deliver it.”

On Wednesday, Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather said the policy did not go far enough, and risked making the current crisis worse.

“Labor’s way is nothing but a gamble of $10 billion dollars on the stock market, with a very real risk that not a dollar gets spent on housing,” he said.

“This is a plan that gambles with the lives of people who just desperately need an affordable, secure roof over their heads.”