Labor rewards property investors with billions while public housing waitlists grow

Labor rewards property investors with billions while public housing waitlists grow | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Labor rewards property investors with billions while public housing waitlists grow 2026-01-30 New data from ACOSS today shows the Federal Government spends more on housing investor tax breaks ($12.3bn in 2025) than on social housing, homelessness services and rent assistance combined ($9.6bn in 2025).

In the midst of a housing crisis, millions of Australian families are living in fear of a possible mortgage rate rise next Tuesday, driven largely by rising house prices resulting from Labor’s failed housing policies, including changes to the 5% deposit scheme which have poured fuel on the fire. The Australian Greens say the housing and homelessness crisis cannot be solved unless the government winds back tax breaks, such as the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing, builds more public and affordable housing and stops pushing policies that fuel demand and make the crisis worse.

Lines attributable to Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock: “Labor’s response to the housing crisis is making things worse. It is more concerned about rewarding property investors with tax breaks than about investing in social housing, homelessness services, and rent assistance altogether. “We are in a housing crisis and the government is adding fuel to the fire.

Labor’s policies are driving up house prices, rents continue to skyrocket, and waits for social housing are getting longer. “What’s clear is that Labor prioritises the wealth of property investors, many of whom have dozens of properties, instead of ensuring everybody has a roof over their head. “For decades, successive Labor and Coalition Governments have put billions of dollars in the pockets of property investors, property developers and the banks.

We won’t solve the housing crisis unless the government scraps its $181 billion tax breaks for wealthy investors. “Labor needs to treat housing as a human right instead of a game of monopoly. What we need is real action and that means winding back tax breaks for wealthy property investors, as well as building affordable houses in the places where Australians need them.

“Labor needs to stop faffing around with the HAFF, which is too slow and too complex, and it needs to stop fuelling demand with policies like the 5% deposit changes which just make the crisis worse. The government must immediately fund social and affordable housing directly to drive down rental prices.” Media contact: Charlotta Lomas - 0466339862 Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

We acknowledge that these lands were stolen and sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. The Australian Greens Authorised by Gemmia Burden & Caroline Atkinson, The Greens, 1 Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin, 2912 Site & copyright information Privacy Your Safety View this site in High Contrast mode We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

Find out more about how we use cookies and how you can avoid trackers online. Learn more No, thanks OK