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 bill lets Defence Housing Australia provide housing to more groups, including foreign military personnel, foreign officials and contractors, and charities that support Defence. The Government said its first big use would be housing US and UK submarine crews and families near HMAS Stirling in Western Australia under AUKUS. The debate focused on AUKUS, the cost of the housing, and pressure on local housing markets.
Arguments made in support
The Government said the change follows an Auditor-General recommendation and reflects a Defence workforce that now relies on foreign partners and outside organisations.
Government senators said using Defence Housing would meet Defence standards while limiting pressure on local housing markets, with new homes already contracted near Perth.
The Coalition supported the bill, saying housing allied submarine crews is the first practical test of AUKUS on Australian soil.
Labor speakers said AUKUS would bring jobs, skills and investment, especially in Perth's southern suburbs.
One Nation said it would support the bill because Australia relies on allies for its defence.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Greens opposed the bill, saying public money should build homes for Australians in a housing crisis, not for foreign troops and weapons contractors.
The Greens said the bill had no cost estimate or public inquiry, and that funding would depend on undisclosed AUKUS cost-sharing deals.
The Greens also opposed AUKUS itself, saying it ties Australia to US military plans, and moved amendments to remove the new foreign categories.
Coalition senators backed the bill but said it brought no new funding or housing supply and could crowd out housing for Australian personnel.
Senator Lambie moved an amendment for Australian personnel to get priority, for foreign governments to cover full costs, and for more public data.
104 speeches by 29 members in the House and Senate over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 24 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 30 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 31 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 25 Aug 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
1 Yes
0 No
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
3 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.