QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (14:55): As I outlined, in the budget we have extended the ban on foreign purchases of existing homes to 2029. In relation to the ability to purchase on new builds—you will see this from our policies in relation to negative gearing and capital gains tax—we do support investment in new housing construction in this country because it generates supply and we want housing supply to continue at pace.

All of the policies that we are using and putting together are about driving supply. In relation to— The PRESIDENT: Minister Gallagher, please resume your seat. Senator Hanson?

Senator Hanson: I have a point of order on relevance. My question was: will the government forced foreigners to sell up their homes? The PRESIDENT: The Minister is being relevant to your question, and I'll continue to listen carefully.

Senator GALLAGHER: I am being relevant because I have answered what the budget documents outline, and the position of the government, which is the policy of the government, is to extend the ban on foreign purchasers of existing homes to 2029. That was in the budget. It was extended in the budget and that remains the government's policy.