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Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s budget reply speech has placed housing and immigration at the centre of the upcoming federal election, pledging to boost funding for stalled housing projects and slash migration by 25%. Alongside these commitments, the Coalition reaffirmed its first-home buyer superannuation access policy, allowing eligible Australians to withdraw up to $50,000 of their own super to purchase a home. While this is a step in the right direction, it raises a bigger question: why should access to super for housing be restricted to first-home buyers?
It’s Australians' Money – They Should Decide
Superannuation is compulsory. Australians are forced to contribute a portion of their earnings into funds they have limited control over, often for decades. This system places a burden on businesses, mandating additional employer contributions, while restricting individuals from using their own money for one of life’s most fundamental needs: housing.
The current policy assumes that keeping super locked away is always the best financial decision. But for many Australians, owning property is the most effective way to build long-term financial security. If it’s acceptable for first-home buyers to access their super to buy a house, why shouldn’t this right extend to all Australians looking to invest in a home?
Unrealistic Migration Policies Have Worsened the Housing Crisis
Labor’s record-high migration intake has placed unprecedented pressure on housing supply, exacerbating affordability issues for everyday Australians. With housing stock already stretched, increasing demand through mass migration has driven rents and home prices to unsustainable levels.
Dutton’s pledge to cut migration by 25% acknowledges the obvious: we cannot fix housing affordability while importing hundreds of thousands of new residents every year without the homes to accommodate them. If we are serious about solving the housing crisis, we must prioritise Australians first by reducing migration to sustainable levels.
Solving the Skills Shortage Without Mass Migration
Labor consistently justifies high migration levels by pointing to skill shortages. However, rather than using migration as a short-term fix, the government should focus on domestic policy solutions, such as:
Investing in Vocational Training and Apprenticeships – Australia needs more skilled tradespeople, yet TAFE enrolments have declined. Subsidising apprenticeships and fast-tracking training programs would help build a sustainable workforce.
Encouraging Workforce Participation – Many Australians remain underemployed or out of the workforce due to disincentives in the welfare and tax system. Reforming job seeker policies and providing pathways for mature-age workers to re-enter the workforce could help address labour shortages.
Leveraging Automation and Productivity Gains – Rather than relying on an endless supply of low-wage migrant labour, businesses should be encouraged to invest in technology and efficiency to boost productivity.
Taxation Reform to Support Australian Business and Workers – The current payroll tax and pay-as-you-go (PAYG) tax structures disincentivise employment and growth. Reducing these burdens would encourage businesses to hire and retain workers. Additionally, a revamp of the tax status of resource and agriculture exporters could ensure these industries contribute fairly and Australian’s gain affordable access to the highest quality food, energy and resources while remaining competitive, reducing reliance on imported labour.
A Fairer Housing and Super System for Australians
Housing affordability is a national crisis that requires bold reform. That starts with:
• Ensuring all Australians can use their super for housing – not just first-home buyers.
• Reducing migration to sustainable levels to ease pressure on housing supply
• Fixing skills shortages through domestic investment, rather than over-reliance on overseas workers.
• Reforming taxation policies to support Australian businesses and incentivise local employment.
It’s time to put Australia and Australians first, ensuring there are real opportunities to own a home and build our future on our terms.
