Page 1724 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 15 May 2019

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MR PARTON (Brindabella) (3.26): It does not surprise me that the Chief Minister has completely obliterated Mr Coe’s motion, because that is how the Chief Minister rolls. That is what he does. It is no surprise that he trashes the whole motion and serves up something that is completely different. But I am absolutely astounded that the Chief Minister could possibly amend a motion and include the words:

… notes that housing affordability is an issue for many Canberrans.

The Chief Minister wants us to note that housing affordability is an issue for many Canberrans. My oath it is. It certainly is. We on this side of the chamber have been noting that issue extremely loudly, time and again. It is a massive issue for many Canberrans. A great number of them write to me. They probably write to you too. The difference is that I respond to them. How can the Chief Minister possibly bear to stand in the chamber and even utter the words “housing affordability”? Those wishing to buy a home are being squeezed out of the market by this government’s policies.

Mr Barr: You would like house prices to fall, would you?

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Orr): Members, I appreciate that Mr Parton has one of the louder voices in the chamber and it can carry quite well. But if we can keep the noise down while he finishes, it will be much appreciated.

MR PARTON: Thank you, Madam Assistant Speaker. It is not often he gets riled up though, so do not feel the need to step in. Those who are trying to rent in the private sector are being squeezed out of the market by so many factors of which, although Mr Barr may wish to portray them as national issues, the vast bulk have been manufactured right here. Mr Coe mentioned many of them in his speech.

The Labor-Greens government talk the talk of trying to provide as much housing as needed for those who need it, but they do the exact opposite. We all know that if we get the Prime Minister that Mr Barr is hankering for and the negative gearing changes come raining on down, it is going to get worse. I think even those in this chamber know. Ms Le Couteur may roll her eyes, but time will tell how much worse it could get. We already have the gold medal when it comes to rental affordability. We are the highest. It will not be whether we win gold; it will be by how many lengths after this. We all know that the private rental market will narrow even further. Where will those people go? Where will they live? They cannot really go to public housing.

Mr Pettersson: Buy a home?

MR PARTON: Mr Pettersson is of the belief that they can buy a home, those people down at the bottom end of the private rental market.

Mr Coe: Yes, buy a home. Great advice.

MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Mr Coe!


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