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Australian politics live: Wilson claims Labor taxes delivered ‘trifecta of housing failures’ as Butler accuses opposition of copying One Nation policy
Developing
In Short: In a heated exchange at the Australian Parliament, the opposition accused the government of falling short on housing targets, while the government defended its policies.
According to reports, shadow treasurer Tim Wilson claimed the government is on track to miss its housing build target by at least 300,000 homes, drawing groans from opposition members. In response, housing minister Clare O’Neil did not confirm the opposition’s number and instead highlighted the government’s housing targets and policies, including increased Commonwealth rent assistance.
Wilson also accused the government of refusing to protect Australians, stating, 'Why is the government refusing to protect Australians from the housing crisis?' Health minister Mark Butler added, 'We’re not interested in joining the Coalition in a price discounting war with organised crime.
During the debate, Wilson claimed the government’s housing policies were a 'trifecta of housing failures,' while Butler accused the opposition of copying One Nation policies. O’Neil defended the government’s approach, stating, 'The combined effect of our supply measures as a government is going to build an additional 400,000 homes for Australians.
Despite the accusations and counter-accusations, O’Neil maintained that the government’s policies were on track, saying, 'We have said repeatedly a responsible approach is to continue our policy on enforcement.' The debate highlighted the ongoing tensions between the two parties over housing policy in Australia.
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- Speaking at the U.N. July 1, Ambassador Jeff Bartos said donors could continue supporting United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugee or choose a framework offering Gazans "peace, prosperity and real durable change." (Credit: UNTV) Another European nation has stopped funding the U.N. agency that aids the Palestinians.
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), is presently being investigated for ties to the terrorist rulers of Gaza.
- While other nations still continue to fund UNRWA, President Donald Trump fully banned funding to the organization in February 2025, and Sweden ended funding to UNRWA in December 2024.
- "Contrary to what UNRWA supporters claim, the agency is not ‘indispensable’ — assistance can and must be delivered through responsible alternatives." Displays featuring what organizers say are UNRWA facilities and personnel involved in terrorist activities.
- Webster has another crack and asks why Mulino is “refusing to protect Australians …” which gets some more groans and Dick once again tells Webster to remove that part of the question completely.
- It does not remove demand, eliminate supply, or the underlying profit opportunities, they, as the organised criminals, can undercut prices no matter where we see the excise.’ We have said repeatedly a responsible approach is to continue our policy on enforcement.
- We have a fundamental belief on the Labor side of politics that the government has got to be involved in the task of housing Australians.
- Wilson then makes a point of order and says O’Neil isn’t answering the question.
Sources
- The Guardianlink