QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:18): Senator, you know that there are a range of factors which contribute to changes in house prices. There are a range of factors that contribute to changes in house prices. The Treasury assumption that you reference is an assumption over a couple of years that house prices will continue to grow but slightly slower than before the budget.

But what I would say to you, Senator, is— Senator Bragg interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Bragg, you've asked your question. Order! Senator McKenzie interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie, which bit of 'order' doesn't apply to you?

Minister Wong, please continue. Senator WONG: As I said, we do have a situation in this country where, until the government's tax changes, the reality was that there was not a level playing field as between first home buyers and investors. We think there should be more Australians who are able to own their own home, in the way that probably pretty much everyone in this chamber does, and that the next generation of Australians should be able to access the dream of homeownership.

We make no apology for making that a priority. (Time expired)