❓ Ms. Brewer questions the Minister for Housing and Works regarding lower housing completion rates and higher inflation in Perth compared to national averages under the current Labor government. The Minister defends the government's actions and accuses the opposition of hindering housing development.

Housing—Australian Bureau of Statistics data90.Ms Sandra Brewerto theMinister for Housing and Works:I refer to the Australian Bureau of Statistics dwelling unit completions data, which shows that 143,968 dwelling units have been completed since Labor came into power compared with 202,000 under the previous Liberal–National government, which is a deficit of 58,861 homes.(1) Afternearly 10 years in government, can the minister explain why the rate of housing supply is around 30% slower under Labor?(2) Can the minister explain why inflation for housing in Perth is up by 13.5% versus 6.8% nationally?

Mr John Carey replied:(1)–(2)I thank the member for her question. I am very proud of all the work the government has undertaken to accelerate the delivery of housing and land in Western Australia.Several members interjected.The Speaker:Members!Ms Sandra Brewerinterjected.The Speaker:Member for Cottesloe, you asked thequestion—hear the response.Mr John Carey:I make this observation. The way that the Liberals talk about the challenges in the housing market means you would assume that it is Western Australia alone that is facing housing pressures. Every state in the country is facing housing pressures, and that is a direct result of a number of factors, including cost escalations since the COVID pandemic, which have resulted in pressures in the housing market. I do note this: we have undertaken an unprecedented number of measures from the Housing Enabling Infrastructure Fund, our infrastructure fund for apartments and streamlining planning approvals. I can tell members that one solution that we will not adopt, which their side is suggesting, is more red tape for housing development. Under Basil Zempilas and the WA Liberals—An opposition member interjected.The Speaker:Yes, it is okay. Please refer to the member by his electorate.Mr John Carey:The member forChurchlandsand the WA Liberal Party want to devolve more power back to local government. They want to bring in more red tape for housing supply. We are seeing now a large-scale—Several members interjected.The Speaker:Members!Mr John Carey:—campaign by the Leader of theLiberal Party and members of the Liberal front bench to oppose housing. It is clear.Several members interjected.The Speaker:Members of the opposition!Mr John Carey:It is very clear that that side —Ms Libby Mettaminterjected.The Speaker:Member for Vasse, I am calling you for the first time.Mr John Carey:It is very clear—speak to industry, speak to the stakeholders. You have been warned by the Property Council in Western Australia about the approach—Several members interjected.The Speaker:Members!Mr Basil Zempilasinterjected.Mr John Carey:Are you suggesting that I wrote that letter? Is that what you are suggesting? Are you suggesting that, member?The Speaker:Minister!Mr John Carey:Would you like to stand over me and talk at me, like you do?The Speaker:Minister!Mr John Carey:Be very clear: the Liberal Party has been warned by one of the critical advocacy groups that its approach to housing—opposing infill and opposing density—is setting a dangerous precedent. Housing—Australian Bureau of Statistics data