Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has outlined the Liberal Party’s strategy to address Australia’s housing crisis and migration challenges in a pre-election speech delivered in Melbourne’s Chisholm electorate. He criticised the Albanese government’s policies, claiming, “Labor is bringing in 1.67 million migrants over five years—more than the population of Adelaide.”
The Coalition’s plan calls for a 25 per cent cut to permanent migration, reducing the annual intake from 185,000 to 140,000 for two years, before increasing to 160,000 in the fourth year. Dutton argues this approach would “free up more than 100,000 homes over the next five years.”
The proposal includes a two-year ban on foreign investors and temporary residents buying existing homes, a measure Dutton says will “give Australians, particularly first home buyers, a fair go in the property market.” First home buyers and separated women would also be allowed to dip into up to $50,000 of their superannuation for deposits, targeting affordability barriers.
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor challenged the proposal, stressing the need for skilled workers in industries like construction to meet housing targets. “Dutton’s proposed 25% cut in immigration lacks details on handling the essential workforce needed in sectors like construction,” O’Connor remarked.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Labor’s housing policies, referencing efforts like the Housing Australia Future Fund and the Help to Buy Scheme. He reaffirmed the government’s goal to build 1.2 million homes in five years, while acknowledging the challenges in reaching those targets.
With housing affordability and migration at the forefront of public concerns, Dutton’s announcement has added fuel to an already heated debate. As election day nears, voters will grapple with starkly different approaches to shaping the nation’s future.
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