DOCUMENTS

Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (12:02): As I indicated the last time I appeared on a Tuesday afternoon in relation to order for production of documents No. 27, the government has complied with that order. I've advised the Senate that the minister made a valid claim of public interest immunity over documents in the scope of the order.

That claim was made because they directly related to the deliberations of cabinet. I am in the sober position of reporting to the Senate that that position has not altered in any way. It cannot alter because it would be inconsistent with the approach that this government, previous governments and governments in other Westminster jurisdictions around the world have taken.

Releasing documents that relate to the deliberations of cabinet is prohibited for all of the reasons that have been set out over the centuries in the approach of democratic Westminster governments. Senator Bragg knows that. The senators who voted for this regular appearance know that.

Yet it persists because it's just about partisan politics. It's widely accepted that the deliberations of cabinet should be conducted in private to preserve the freedom of deliberation of those bodies. I understand that the Liberals, the Nationals and One Nation are opposed to the five per cent deposit scheme.

I understand that position. You may be opposed to the fact that 270,000 Australians, mostly young Australians, have gotten into homeownership with the support of the Albanese government. I understand that position.

I don't think it's a credible position. I don't think it's a position that mainstream Australians would support, but it's one of the many positions that the Liberals, the Nationals and One Nation hold that are out of step with mainstream Australia. I understand that the Liberals, the Nationals and One Nation are opposed to the government building social and affordable homes.

Senator Bragg and his colleagues are opposed to the mechanism that the government is using to finance those positions. Senator Bragg: We just want the modelling. We want the modelling.

It's not a secret document. Senator AYRES: Senator Bragg sings out that he wants the modelling. I just indicated the modelling, as you well know, drove the cabinet deliberations, and it will not be released, because it should not be released, no matter how many times I have to turn up here to endure these 30 minutes of dishonest propositions about housing.

You can argue the pros and cons of the five per cent deposit scheme with the 270,000 Australian families that now have a home. You can argue it with 50,000 key workers—teachers, nurses, childcare workers, carers, defence personnel, firefighters and police officers—who are now proud homeowners. You can pursue it in estimates hearings, in the media, in the chamber or however you like.

We are going to continue with the job of supporting those Australians to find their way into homeownership. We're going to continue with the job of building houses in Australia. Every renter in the country now has stronger renters' rights, 270,000 Australians now have five per cent deposits, home building is turning around despite pressures on the home-building sector, and our commitment to 55,000 social and affordable homes is gaining pace.

There are over 7,000 completed, with over 22,000 in planning and construction. Our approach keeps building and building. Perhaps you ought to pick up a toolbox yourself and have a crack.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Are you finished, Minister? Senator AYRES: I'm prevented from continuing.