In a scathing press conference today, Shadow Minister for Housing and Social Services, The Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, accused the Albanese Government of presiding over a “catastrophic housing disaster” and failing to deliver a single home through its flagship Housing Australia Future Fund.
Sukkar criticised Labor’s handling of housing policy over the past three years, stating that despite repeated budget announcements and high-profile promises, not one home has been delivered under the government's headline program. "They’ve reheated this policy across four budgets – and not a single home has been built. That’s not just failure, that’s an outright embarrassment," Sukkar said.
He described a recent request from the Housing Minister to suspend caretaker conventions during the election period as “an admission of defeat” and “a desperate attempt to cover up inaction.”
🏠 COALITION’S HOUSING POLICY: INFRASTRUCTURE, SUPER ACCESS, AND MIGRATION CONTROL
Outlining the Coalition’s alternative strategy, Sukkar detailed a $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund aimed at unlocking 500,000 homes across Australia by fast-tracking development-ready projects that require crucial infrastructure such as roads, sewerage, and telecommunications.
Further, the Coalition plans to assist first home buyers by allowing them to access up to $50,000 from their superannuation to help with home deposits—provided the amount is returned upon the sale of the property. “It’s their money. Let them use it when it matters most,” Sukkar emphasized.
Sukkar also took aim at Labor's migration policy, linking the intake of over one million migrants to the surge in rents—reportedly up by 18% nationwide. “We will drastically reduce migration to ease rental pressure and ban foreign and temporary residents from buying Australian homes,” he declared.
📉 ‘RENT PAIN REAL, GOVERNMENT IN DENIAL’
When asked about support for renters, Sukkar highlighted the Coalition’s pledge to lower migration as a direct response to rental shortages and rising costs. “The only way to help renters right now is to reduce demand,” he said. He blamed Victoria’s state Labor government for exacerbating the rental crisis through high taxes and mismanagement, calling Victoria a “warning sign” for what a long-term Albanese government could bring federally.
♿ FOCUS ON DISABILITY HOUSING
On the question of accessible housing for Australians with disabilities, Sukkar reinforced the Coalition's commitment to the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) scheme. He acknowledged current issues with high vacancy rates and poor participant matching, but reiterated that SDA remains a key pillar for providing dignified, independent housing to those with significant disabilities.
🗳️ MARGINAL SEAT WATCH: DEAKIN IN FOCUS
Responding to media speculation about his own electoral vulnerability, Sukkar remained humble, stating he “never takes elections for granted.” He added, “Unlike the arrogant attitude of the Prime Minister, I go into every campaign knowing I need to earn the trust of my community.”
He also didn’t shy away from jabs at Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, warning voters that a federal Labor government would be a mirror image of “what’s gone wrong in Victoria.”
