Question Time · Senate100% said dodged
Housing · Property market
Did the government answer on falling auction clearance rates?
The Nationals' Senate leader pressed the government on cooling property auctions after Labor's tax changes, and asked whether the broader risks had been modelled. The minister pointed to first-home-buyer fairness and Treasury forecasts. You judge: straight answer, or not?
Asked · Senator Canavan (Nationals, Qld): Sydney's auction clearance rate is at its lowest since April 2020 and Melbourne's since 2021. Will the minister admit Labor's tax changes have shattered confidence in the property market? Has the government modelled the impact on household wealth, bank lending and the economy?
Answered · Senator Wong (Foreign Affairs, representing the Prime Minister): The minister said the changes are about backing first home buyers, that many factors influence the market and clearance rates were falling before the budget, and cited Treasury forecasts that prices will keep growing — about two per cent lower than they otherwise would be. Pressed on whether the risks had been modelled, she referred back to the same forecasts.
🗳 A public mood-check, not a scientific poll. Judge it: did a straight question get a straight answer?
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