Independents pressure Greens to break housing stalemate after Queensland election losses (4 Nov 2024)
Article summary: Independent MP Kate Chaney has joined a coalition of crossbench politicians, including Senator David Pocock, to advocate for the Greens to back the government’s housing proposals. Chaney, alongside fellow "teal" independents Sophie Scamps and Kylea Tink, is pressing for immediate bipartisan action on two key housing bills that aim to address Australia's housing affordability crisis by increasing rental stock and providing support for low-income home buyers.
Their push comes at a pivotal moment, as new research reveals that half of Green voters and a third of Coalition voters favour passing the government’s housing measures, bolstering Chaney’s call for unity in addressing pressing housing issues.
The independents, including Chaney, hope a recent proposal by community housing groups could shift the Greens’ stance on the ‘Build to Rent’ bill. The proposed amendment would expand tax benefits for developers willing to build rental housing while capping rents at 30% of low-income earners' wages, providing a more structured path to affordable housing.
Chaney and her colleagues argue that such measures are necessary steps to address a growing rental crisis and prevent further erosion of public trust in government action on housing. She has emphasised the need for parliament to move beyond political gridlock, stating that Australians are demanding action rather than prolonged debate on affordable housing solutions.
Chaney's advocacy reflects a broader independent movement to promote integrity and responsiveness in Australian politics. This stance gains significance as she and other crossbenchers increasingly voice issues they believe resonate deeply with Australians, particularly as housing affordability impacts a broad spectrum of voters. As part of this coalition, Chaney urges her parliamentary colleagues to unite on housing, stressing that the proposed bills, if adapted with minor changes, could mark a breakthrough in addressing Australia’s housing crisis.
With limited time remaining in the legislative calendar, Chaney and other independents are underscoring the urgency of passing these bills, warning that continued political impasse on housing is likely to exacerbate the public’s disillusionment with parliament. The independent coalition, now a formidable force within the current government framework, underscores a clear message: that accessible housing should transcend party lines and that the parliament must act decisively in the public interest.
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