The Family First Party will tackle government-imposed taxes, regulatory costs, and infrastructure charges that are making home ownership impossible for young Australians hoping to marry and start a family.

Research released this week reveals that these charges now account for up to 49% of the total value of home-and-land packages, adding as much as $576,000 to the cost of a house in Sydney.

The Centre for International Economics (CIE) analysis, commissioned by the Housing Industry Association, shows the impact of crippling red tape and high-taxing policies across the country. Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart are also experiencing similar burdens, with government charges making up between 36% and 43% of total housing costs.

Housing Industry Association chief economist Tim Reardon lays the blame squarely at the feet of Australian governments, stating: “With half of the cost of a new home being taxes and government charges, new home buyers are spending the first 15 years of a 30-year mortgage just paying off that tax.”

He adds that “Australian governments… are the primary main cause of the shortage of housing.”

Family First recognises that affordable housing is fundamental to strong families and thriving communities. When young Australians cannot afford a home, they delay marriage and family formation, further contributing to declining birth rates and long-term social problems.

If elected, Family First’s Senate team will prioritise tackling the housing affordability crisis by:

• Reducing government-imposed costs: Eliminating or reducing excessive taxes, fees, and charges inflating house prices.
• Streamlining approvals: Cutting red tape to speed up development and lower costs.
• Increasing land supply: Releasing more land to stabilise housing prices.

The great Australian dream should not be strangled by government taxes, charges and red tape.

Family First Senators, if elected, will fight to ensure young Australians can afford to buy a home, marry, and build their families.