By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Clare O’Neil Promises Major Investment to Tackle Housing Crisis
Clare O’Neil, the new Minister for Housing and Homelessness, has expressed deep concern about the challenges renters face and has vowed to implement significant investments to address the housing crisis. O’Neil, who took over the portfolio from Julie Collins during the July reshuffle, emphasized that the government’s priority is to implement Labor’s existing $32 billion commitments rather than introducing new policies.
O’Neil stated that the Albanese government is not currently considering amendments to build to rent incentives and was cautious about the possibility of introducing additional funds to pass these incentives or the Help to Buy shared equity scheme. She also stressed that the housing crisis is a result of 30 years of under investment by all levels of government and that the Albanese government has set a target of building 1.2 million homes over five years through the national housing accord.
Housing is becoming a key issue ahead of the next election, with rising interest rates putting pressure on mortgage holders and rents increasing faster than wages. Both the Greens and the Coalition are blocking two Labor housing bills currently before parliament. The Greens are advocating for a rent freeze and a public housing developer, while the Coalition is pushing to expand its superannuation for housing policy.
O’Neil, who previously served as the Minister for Home Affairs, stated that her focus is on increasing the housing supply and helping those who cannot access the housing market. She highlighted that Labor’s policies, including the 1.2 million home construction target and increased commonwealth rent assistance, provide long term solutions for renters. She also emphasized the importance of working with state colleagues to implement commitments on renters’ rights made at national cabinet.
Regarding the declining share of public sector involvement in residential building approvals, O’Neil acknowledged the complexity of the issue but noted that Labor’s help to buy scheme and build to rent incentives are critical components of the government’s strategy.
O’Neil urged the Coalition and Greens to support the housing bills, criticizing the opposition’s superannuation for housing policy, which she argued would drive up housing prices. Meanwhile, the Property Council has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of build to rent changes, and the Greens have called for a nationwide rent freeze, an end to tax benefits for property investors, and increased investment in public housing.
