Clare O'Neil 2025

Australia’s housing construction pipeline strengthened significantly with new ABS data showing building approvals jumped 12 per cent in September and are 15.3 per cent higher than a year ago.

Earlier this week, the Chair of the Housing Australia Board, Ms Carol Austin, advised me of her intention to resign, effective 27 November 2025.

I thank Ms Austin for her contribution as the Chair of the Housing Australia Board.

One of the key priorities of the Albanese Government is delivering more affordable housing for Australians.

Good evening, everyone,

I begin by acknowledging the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation – the Traditional Owners of the lands we’re meeting on today – and pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Thank you to Professor Peter Dawkins AO, Chair of WoMEDA, for being here tonight and for his leadership and vision.

The Albanese Government is continuing to deliver more housing for Australians, with 4,641 new homes approved through national environment laws since August.

Projects approved since August include:

Barbara Miller:

Has it just got easier or harder to get into the property market? The federal government’s Home Guarantee Scheme is expanding today, meaning more Australians will only need to pay a 5 per cent deposit on a property. Under the changes, there will be no income limits, meaning all first‑time buyers are eligible.

James Glenday:

Well, let’s get some more on our top story this morning, and that is the revamped House Guarantee Scheme which comes into effect today. And the federal Housing Minister, Clare O’Neil, joins us now from Sydney. Minister, welcome back to News Breakfast.

Clare O’Neil:

So, great to be with you. Thanks so much.

Natalie Barr:

Charles Croucher:

From next week, the Albanese Government is expanding the 5 per cent Deposit Scheme to make home ownership more accessible for all Australians, including regional Australians.

Starting 1 October, there will be no caps on the number of regional Australians who can access the scheme – meaning every eligible first home buyer outside our major cities can get support.

The Albanese Labor Government is helping more Australians realise their dream of home ownership sooner, by launching 5 per cent deposits for all first home buyers early on 1 October 2025, instead of next year.