Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Program, aiming to fast-track the construction of up to 500,000 new homes if the Coalition wins the next federal election.
Mr Dutton described the initiative as a “game-changer” for young Australians struggling to enter the housing market, pledging to restore the Australian dream of home ownership.
Mr Dutton emphasised that the program will deliver additional land for development by temporarily funding essential infrastructure such as water, power, and sewerage to accelerate building projects.
“We’re here today to say that we’re introducing 500,000 additional blocks of land into the market,” Dutton said, targeting the housing supply issue.
The funding, Mr Dutton claims, would be sourced by cutting what he describes as government “waste.”
He did not provide specific details on where cuts would be made but assured that costings would be released closer to the election.
Criticism from Labor
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to criticise the proposal, referring to it as a lesser investment compared to Labor’s own housing plans.
“We’ve got a $32 billion Homes for Australia plan… They’re committed to five,” Mr Albanese said.
He also highlighted that the Opposition is blocking key legislation, including the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, which aims to assist lower-income Australians with homeownership.
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil echoed Albanese’s criticism, calling the Coalition’s proposal a “card trick” that offers little substance compared to Labor’s broader investments in social and affordable housing.
Industry support
Despite the political back-and-forth, the Coalition’s plan has gained support from key industry bodies.
Master Builders Australia Chief Executive Denita Wawn endorsed the freeze and review of the National Construction Code, particularly the rollback of recent energy efficiency standards, which the Coalition claims have added up to $60,000 to the price of new homes.
Ms Wawn noted that labor shortages, union disruptions, and red tape significantly affect housing costs and timelines, welcoming Mr Dutton’s focus on cutting regulatory barriers.
Similarly, the Urban Development Institute of Australia and the Business Council of Australia praised the Coalition’s plan for addressing fundamental infrastructure needs.
Housing crisis at the forefront
With housing affordability a key election issue, both the Coalition and Labor are positioning their plans as solutions to the nation’s housing crisis.
Labor has already unveiled $32 billion in housing initiatives, including the Housing Australia Future Fund, which will deliver 13,700 homes by mid-2026, though progress has been slower than anticipated due to Senate blockages.
Amid these competing visions for the future of housing in Australia, both parties face growing pressure to present clear, actionable plans that address affordability.
