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Danny O'Brien highlights policy differences and criticises taxation approach of Andrews Labor government and Greens in housing debate

Danny O'Brien highlights policy differences between government and Greens on housing, criticises taxation approach, and calls for better investment in public housing.

By news@gippsland - 2nd August 2023 - Back to News

It is always interesting here to get up and see a little bit of argy-bargy, but there is no argy-bargy like the government versus the Greens. They like to give it to us, but there is no better ringside seat than when the government takes on its good mates the Greens.

With a $5.3 billion investment in the Big Housing Build, only six new homes stand in South Gippsland, as housing demand persists

Debate on housing

Party policy differences

Brad Rowswell: That's why we are here.

Danny O'Brien replied, "I can only assume it is why everyone is in here, because it certainly is not to listen to me; I know that. All the government members, pretty much all of the ones over there, got elected on Greens preferences, but here they are ripping into them every time they get the opportunity. It is just extraordinary. There is no fight like a family fight, is there, when they really get into each other, and that is what we are seeing here.

But this has actually been an interesting debate, because sometimes we do get told in politics that we are all the same: 'You've all got the same policies. You're indistinguishable from each other'. Well, this has actually been a pretty interesting debate to highlight the differences between all the parties in this place - at least between the Labor Party, the government, and the Greens. No better demonstrated is this than by the fact that the Greens think that this Labor government is neoliberal.

What does that say about the Greens? Where are they? Somewhere next to Trotsky? I don't know - Marx? I am not sure what it is, but if this government is neoliberal, I will be winning Australia's Next Top Model next year. This is just extraordinary.

Policy approaches analysed

But it is true, what I am saying. The point is accurate that there are very big differences between the parties on these issues. We have got the Greens, who think that the government should own everything, basically, and the government should only build public housing and social housing.

We have got the government, which even though the member for Footscray just talked about supply does not actually get the supply issue and thinks that taxing housing is going to help it, and us on this side, who realise that it will be private investors investing in housing - mums and dads putting away something for their future and providing a place to live for someone who wants to rent - who will actually solve this problem. So the words are supply, supply, supply.

Government's housing missteps

When it comes to actually addressing the housing crisis, we have seen this government absolutely botch it every step of the way. Since this government came to power, we have seen 49 increased or newly introduced taxes, and 23 of those new or increased taxes have been on property.

In the midst of a housing crisis what have we seen in the last couple of years? We have had a windfall gains tax introduced on property development. What do you think the property developers are going to do when they get a windfall gains tax?

Tax impact on housing

Tax's housing consequences

Brad Rowswell: Tell us, Danny.

Danny O'Brien said, "Are they going to just cop it? Are they just going to say, "Well, that's an increased cost to business'? No, they are going to pass it on to the cost of housing, aren't they? And then this year the geniuses in the Treasury office, at the height of a housing affordability crisis, a housing availability crisis when rents are going through the roof, what are we going to do?"

New rent tax

A member: Tax.

Danny O'Brien replied, "Another new tax. We are going to introduce a rent tax on landlords. The Treasurer had the gall in his Treasurer's speech this year to refer to economics 101; he said, 'If you know economics 101'. As I said at the time in the budget, I have actually done economics 101. It is literally a course description."

Taxes impact housing

Tim Richardson: How did you go?

Danny O' Brien replied, "I aced it, thank you, member for Mordialloc. I did very well, unlike the Treasurer, who clearly has not paid any attention whatsoever. Because if something is in short supply and you add a cost to it, a cost that cannot be avoided, it is going to be passed on. And what is going to happen then? Rent is going to go -"
Members: Up.

Danny O'Brien Thank you very much. It is going to go up. We have the government at this point in time adding additional taxes - 49 additional or new taxes, and they have increased 23 of them on property. And the government is now surprised that we have got a housing affordability crisis.

Rental laws impact

James Newbury: They did not do economics 101.

Danny O'Brien said that they did not do economics 101, that is right, member for Brighton. This all comes on the back of the new rental laws that were introduced in 2021. Some rebalancing of the rental laws may well be appropriate. I think that there is a balance in this. You always have to make sure the renters have rights and that landlords have rights.

But we saw the changes introducing a ban on rental bidding, new rental minimum standards, which has forced a lot of landlords to have to spend a lot of money in the last couple of years. We have got no eviction without a reason, allowable modifications by renters, which has had a big impact on those people who are providing rental accommodation.

Landlords, many of them are telling their agents, 'I do not want to see my house modified without approval.' And there are new rules with respect to both pets and urgent repairs. Again, some of this may well be justified, but the evidence has already shown that landlords are getting out of the market. We have seen this in recent weeks in relation to the government's new land tax changes.

Victoria's landlord challenges

An article on 23 June on realestate.com.au said, "Victoria has been dubbed the nation's worst state for landlords and faces economic headwinds and housing shortages as population growth soars."

Who would have thought? That came from a survey by the REIV that said nearly 90 percent of real estate agents in Victoria have had an increase in contact from landlords who are looking to recover increased costs as a result of the Victorian government's new and increased land tax on investment properties. What did I say? Economics 101: if you add a cost, it gets passed on.

Investor profile clarified

The member for Gippsland East, I do have to mention him because he gave an excellent speech. It was very good. It did not probably get the credit it deserved, but he made the point that our rental providers in the main are mum-and-dad investors. Seventy per cent of them only have one second property, and 43 per cent of those earn less than $100,000 a year.

This is not wealthy landlords in the main. These are not people with multiple properties. That is the reality of our housing affordability and the housing availability in Victoria where 70 percent of rental properties are provided by the private sector.

Greens' rental impact

For the Greens to be saying no private stuff and putting in a rental cap, let us stop everything - what do they think is going to happen? If you make rental availability less attractive, there is going to be less of it. I know what they will say because they have said it to some degree, 'If landlords are selling up, that is good because more people can then afford to buy a house. If there's more supply, house prices will come down.'

Yes, in theory, to a bit. What if you are a 23-year-old just starting to make your way in the world and you need to rent? You are not going to be able to go out and afford to buy a house. This is just economic lunacy from both the government and the Greens.

Public housing progress

On the public housing question, back to what this is really about, I give the government credit for the Big Housing Build. We absolutely needed to increase the level of public housing stock in Victoria, and - we know this from the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee - that is because the Victorian government was a long, long way behind the rest of the country on a per capita basis in terms of public and social housing availability.

That was in the ROGS data in 2021. The Productivity Commission Report on government services made it very clear we were at the bottom of the table, so we actually needed to keep up. Those opposite have mentioned the former member for Richmond. He acknowledged that; he actually accepted that we had to do a lot more. So it is good.

But we have also just heard from the minister before and we hear from the government regularly how they are going to deliver 12,000 new homes. We are going to have 8200 new homes. That is a net gain. So far - and again this has just come back from the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearings this year - there is an increase of 2900, so we are still a long, long way from anything like what the government is claiming that it is going to deliver.

Housing shortage concerns

That is in the context - other members have raised this - that in the past 12 months, in the 12 months to March 2023, 3681 people, or households, were added to the public housing waiting list. 842 of those were priority families. So we have got an increase in the waiting list, more and more people, and we are not keeping pace with the investment, even with what the government is doing. That is something that the government needs to address.

In my own electorate - the Big Housing Build is $5.3 billion - in South Gippsland shire there are six new homes, six. I have got people coming to me all the time looking for housing, whether it is private housing, whether it is rental or whether it is public housing. The government needs to do better.

The $1 billion it is pledging to spend on regional housing after the Commonwealth Games debacle absolutely needs to deliver to rural areas of the state. It needs to do a lot better, and it needs to ignore the Greens when it comes to policy on housing in this state.

Pictures from CatholicCare Victoria website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Gippsland faces sobering family violence rates during 16 Days of Activism Campaign, Danny O’Brien warns
  Gippsland records some of Victoria’s highest family violence rates, says Danny O’Brien, urging community action during the 16 Days of Activism to promote respect, safety, and awareness across the region.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
  The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery.
• Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
  Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Council urges transparent, community-focused approach for battery energy storage systems across Baw Baw
  Baw Baw Council raises concerns over proposed BESS projects, urging transparency, protection of prime agricultural land, community input, and stronger oversight of sites outside designated renewable energy zones.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
  Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
  Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
  Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch.
• Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
  Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
  Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities.
• Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
  Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
  A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently.
• Darren Chester warns Labor gun law changes unfairly target regions, distract from government extremism failures
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
  As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien.
• Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures.
• Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
  The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
• Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
  Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide.
• Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
  Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities.
• Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
  Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
  Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria.
• Martin Cameron demands Labor guarantee Traralgon PSOs won’t be removed amid redeployment to retail precincts
  Martin Cameron has urged the Allan Labor Government to guarantee PSOs won’t be removed from Traralgon, warning redeployment to shopping centres could compromise safety on the region’s already under-resourced rail network.
• Martin Cameron condemns Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, pledges action to combat knife crime
  Martin Cameron condemned the Allan Labor government for blocking Jack’s Law, pledging to introduce it if elected, giving police powers to combat knife crime, following its success in other Australian states.
• Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem.
• Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
  Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.
• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• Darren Chester accuses Victorian Labor of endangering Gippslanders by delaying Mallacoota-Genoa road upgrades
  Federal Member Darren Chester warns Victorian Labor’s inaction on Mallacoota-Genoa Road, despite $10 million funding, endangers Gippslanders, leaving critical safety upgrades delayed and road conditions increasingly unsafe.
• Melina Bath says after 11 years of Labor, Victoria’s public lands face neglect, higher risks, and degradation
  The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks.
• Melina Bath launches e-petition urging Labor to enforce gun laws properly and protect law-abiding firearm owners in Gippsland
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath and firearm owner Ryan Weeratunge launch e-petition urging Labor to enforce existing gun laws, avoid rushed changes, and consult law-abiding owners to ensure community safety.
• Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
  Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.
• David Littleproud says farmers won major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud says farmers have won a major victory after Labor abandoned its plan to tax unrealised gains on farms held in self-managed super funds.
• World Wetlands Day celebrates West Gippsland’s culturally significant wetlands and enduring traditional owner knowledge
  World Wetlands Day highlights West Gippsland’s globally significant wetlands on Bunurong and Gunaikurnai Country, celebrating traditional knowledge, heritage and efforts protecting waterways, biodiversity and Country into the future.
• Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
  World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage.
• Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
• West Gippsland CMA’s annual report showcases environmental achievements from mountain headwaters to coastal waters
  West Gippsland CMA’s Annual Report highlights major 2024–25 achievements restoring rivers, wetlands and habitats, supporting communities, protecting wildlife, and strengthening catchment health from mountain headwaters to the coast.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity amid Labor’s mismanaged renewable energy transition
  Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity as Labor mismanages the renewable energy transition, delaying projects, electricity reliability, raising prices, causing gas shortages, and threatening jobs and households.