Opposition Leader Peter Dutton Outlines Plans to Address Australia's Housing Crisis

On Thursday evening, Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton engaged in a tense interview with ABC's Sarah Ferguson on the program 7.30. The discussion followed Dutton's reply to the Federal Budget delivered in Parliament. In his speech, Dutton proposed key policies to address Australia's housing crisis, focusing heavily on immigration control.

Dutton announced plans to reduce the annual migration intake to 140,000 from the current 185,000 for the first two years, before adjusting to 160,000 by the fourth year. He asserted that this reduction would free up over 100,000 homes over the next five years. Additionally, he proposed a two-year ban on foreign investors and temporary residents from purchasing existing homes in the country.

The interview with Ferguson quickly became heated as she questioned the implications of Dutton’s policies, especially regarding their impact on international students and economic growth. Ferguson noted that institutions like the University of Sydney derive significant revenue from international students, who she claimed also contribute substantially to the Australian economy. Dutton countered by emphasizing the need for housing availability, indicating that the influx of international students also creates demand for housing.

Dutton reiterated his commitment to making housing more accessible while suggesting that the current government’s target to build 1.2 million homes by 2029 would fall short. He also highlighted plans to modify work restrictions for students and pensioners, thereby boosting workforce numbers without affecting pension payments.

Besides discussing housing and migration, Dutton's speech included commitments to law and order, energy reforms, and economic measures. He proposed new offences for cyber and intimate partner-related crimes, stricter laws on knife sales, and expedited approvals for gas projects.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the government's efforts, stating that reversing a decade of housing neglect takes time and highlighting measures in the budget supporting the construction industry and increasing rent assistance.

The Coalition's policy propositions, while contentious, present a clear roadmap aimed at tackling the housing crisis and diversifying Australia's economic and social landscape ahead of the next federal election.