QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (14:23): Not only is it what we're going to do about it; it's what we are doing to deal with these challenges. We've introduced incentives for projects that offer long-term leases, and we're working with the states to make renting fairer—practical outcomes, not bumper stickers; real policy solutions, not dinner party conversations.

As a result of our work, most states have now banned no-grounds evictions and put minimum standards in place. We've delivered back-to-back increases in rent assistance—which is now 41 per cent higher—for one million Australian households. Fundamentally, the answer here— The PRESIDENT: Senator Pocock?

Senator Barbara Pocock: My question is about homelessness, people who don't have a roof, for whom rent is not even an issue—they're in tents. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Pocock. The minister is being directly relevant to your question.

Minister Ayres, please continue. Senator AYRES: Of course, ultimately, these are questions of supply, about building more homes in every part of Australia. That's why there is a $43 billion package there— (Time expired)