Portfolio — 20 August 2026

The Minister for Housing, Ms O'Neil, used question time to defend the government's housing tax reforms with Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing investor lending for new dwellings up more than 27 per cent year-on-year and construction lending rising 4.4 per cent [TA-260819-house-e023dad986e7:s185]. She argued the reforms give first-home buyers a better chance at purchase and stimulate new home construction, noting that investor lending for existing homes fell about 15 per cent in the June quarter.

The minister quoted Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn and NAB chief economist Sally Auld in support of the reforms.

**Opposition claims corrected**

Ms O'Neil rejected the opposition's assertion that Ray White had forecast a 30 per cent rise in rents, stating that Ray White made no such forecast and that the National Australia Bank had also confirmed it does not forecast rental yields [TA-260819-house-e023dad986e7:s170].

**Five-per-cent deposit scheme**

The minister clarified that the five-per-cent deposit scheme is limited to Australian citizens and permanent residents, not temporary residents [TA-260819-house-e023dad986e7:s186]. She reported that 260,000 people have already obtained home ownership through the program and said it is helping first-home buyers succeed at auctions.

**Broader agenda and continuity**

Ms O'Neil outlined the government's wider housing agenda, including support for renters, increased Commonwealth rent assistance, improved rental standards and a pathway to homeownership. This continues the portfolio's focus on strengthening governance in housing policy, following the government's acceptance of all five Auditor-General recommendations on the Housing Australia Future Fund.

The minister's emphasis on first-home buyer incentives and rental reforms advances progress toward the previously reaffirmed 55,000-home target by the end of the decade.