PM issues Greens challenge on first homebuyer scheme

Anthony Albanese is laying down a challenge to the Greens to back plans for a Help-to-Buy home-owner program.

Under the shared-equity scheme, first homebuyers would be able to enter the housing market with as little as a two per cent deposit.

The federal government would contribute 40 per cent of the value of a home for a new property, or 30 per cent for an existing one.

However, the passage of the proposal remains uncertain, with the Greens opposing the scheme, arguing the policy would drive up housing prices.

As debate continued in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, the prime minister criticised the minor party for taking a shared-equity scheme to the last election, only to come out against the government's model.

"The Greens are not in a position to establish anything because they're not the government, all they're in a position to do is to vote for this government's proposal, which is completely in accord with their policy," he told parliament.

"The coalition between the Liberals and the Greens when it comes to opposing anything housing is an unholy one. It's one designed to just keep people in their place, not to do anything to improve circumstances."

Government seeks support for first home-buyer scheme
Anthony Albanese wants Greens support for his first-home buyer shared-equity scheme.

While the Help to Buy scheme is set to pass the lower house, uncertainty remains on its success in the Senate.

The Greens have said they would vote against the housing policy in the House of Representatives and have reserved their position in the upper house, with the party pushing for changes to negative gearing in return for their support.

Greens leader Adam Bandt said the scheme would do little to address the issue of tax breaks for property investors.

"The system, at the moment is stacked against first-home buyers and renters," he told parliament.

"We cannot support this policy that leaves people worse off while continuing to slip a big fat cheque into the pockets of people who've already got multiple properties."

Mr Bandt said the government's changed position on stage-three tax cuts meant a shift in stance on negative gearing was possible.

"These small-target policies won't cut it any more. Small-target government cannot fix Australia's big problems like the housing and rental crisis," Mr Bandt said.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store