QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:17): I thank Senator Bragg for his second supplementary question. No, Senator Bragg, we don't accept that proposition. We recognise the problem.

We recognise there is a problem of housing shortages. There is particularly a problem in respect of access of young people to housing. This is exactly how a government that is responsible and progressive and that understands the problem of housing issues in this country should be responding.

When the private sector has failed to produce enough homes, there is a role for government to help with the solution. It's not the total solution, but it's part of the solution. I think our wonderful minister for housing, Clare O'Neil, is doing a terrific job in progressing this program.