What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This Coalition private senator's bill would stop the Housing Australia Future Fund from investing in housing projects or entities financed by Cbus Super, the construction industry super fund. Supporters linked Cbus to the CFMEU union, which is in administration. The debate focused on Cbus's ties to the CFMEU, how the fund and super funds are governed, and how many homes the fund has delivered so far.
Arguments made in support
Coalition senators said Cbus is closely tied to the CFMEU, noting union board seats and payments to the union, so taxpayer funds should be kept separate.
Supporters argued CFMEU conduct has raised construction costs by up to 30 per cent, making new homes dearer.
Coalition speakers said the fund had built only 17 new homes and bought about 340 existing ones, and called for more transparency.
One Nation supported the bill until the CFMEU changes its conduct, while proposing to close the fund and set up a people's bank instead.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Government senators said Cbus is not the CFMEU, and that its board has equal employer and member representatives plus independent directors.
The Government said super funds do not receive fund money; they may lend to projects, so the ban would shrink the money available for social housing.
Government speakers said the regulator APRA already oversees Cbus governance, and that Cbus has not taken part in any fund transactions so far.
Government senators described the bill as an attack on unions and industry super that would slow housing delivery.
The Greens opposed the bill, saying now is not the time to stop super funds investing in housing, and called for tax and rental reforms.
27 speeches by 15 members in the Senate over 3 sitting days.
Hansard: Senate, 24 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 30 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 26 Mar 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Second and third reading votes. How each party's members voted:
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.