Meaghan Scanlon slams planned axing of CFMEU-linked housing fund

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon has slammed Coalition plans to scrap $10bn federal housing fund saying it lead to thousands of much-needed homes not being built in Queensland.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon has slammed Coalition plans to scrap a $10bn federal housing fund which has been linked to the CFMEU, warning it will lead to thousands of affordable homes not being built in Queensland.

The LNP this week announced it would go to next year’s federal election with $100m in savings, including axing the Housing Australia Future Fund.

Construction industry superannuation fund Cbus, which has three CFMEU-appointed directors and is chaired by former treasurer Wayne Swan, has given an in-principle commitment to invest in the fund.

Liberal senator Andrew Bragg has introduced a bill to stop Cbus’ involvement in the HAFF while the militant building union is in administration.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon has slammed plans to scrap a $10bn federal housing fund. Picture: Liam Kidston

The federal government put the CFMEU into administration last Friday after allegations it had been infiltrated by criminals, including bikies. More than 270 union officials, including 21 in Queensland, were sacked.

It triggered major protests across Brisbane and Cairns yesterday as hundreds of union members rallied against the Labor government.

The Coalition has pledged to scrap the housing fund which was set up by the Albanese government to build 30,000 social and affordable homes.

Ms Scanlon said axing the fund, along with planned Coalition cuts to the $5.5bn Help to Buy scheme, would lead to thousands of much-needed homes not being built in Queensland.

She said federal funding was critical to fulfil the Miles government’s plan to deliver an extra million homes in Queensland, including more than 53,000 social homes.

“The LNP have sharpened their knives, ready to cut thousands of homes for Queenslanders,” she said.

“(The) news that the LNP will cut $100 billion in critical projects should leave every Queenslander worried about housing in this state.

“The LNP voted against 30,000 social and affordable homes, and have spent months railing against home ownership for thousands of Queenslanders – now it’s clear why, because the first thing they want to do is take an axe to them.

“There are thousands of homes right now being considered for Queensland through the Housing Australia Future Fund, and they’re all at risk if the LNP get their way.

“Just like their LNP mates in Canberra, David Crisafulli and Tim Mander have a record of cuts to infrastructure and housing. They did it before and they’ll do it again.”