Labor’s Housing Bill Clears Senate After a Near-300 Day Stalemate

Help to Buy establishes Australia’s first national shared equity scheme.

Australian Greens Leader Adam Bandt and Housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather speak to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Nov. 25, 2024. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

After languishing in the Senate for almost 300 days, the Albanese government’s Help to Buy bill finally passed on Nov. 26.

Deputy Senate Leader Don Farrell moved the motion, which passed with 56 votes in favour and 39 against after a brief debate around amendments.