Australia news live: Barnaby Joyce clarifies One Nation housing policy after interview blunder; John Howard signs open letter urging gambling reforms
Barnaby Joyce walked back comments implying permanent residents could lose homes under One Nation housing rules. Meanwhile, John Howard joined calls for tougher gambling reforms as Parliament debates tax and housing changes.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
The live blog centres on a string of Australian political updates, led by Barnaby Joyce clarifying One Nation’s housing policy after a TV interview misfire. It also tracks debate over Labor’s tax changes, gambling reform calls, housing pressures in NSW, and other policy moves.
This story is like several big school rules being changed at once. One politician had to correct what he said about who could keep a house, while lawmakers argued about taxes, housing, gambling, and help for people finding homes.
Analysis
Housing policy and political fallout
Barnaby Joyce moved quickly to correct comments he made on Sky News about One Nation’s housing policy. He had suggested permanent residents might need to become citizens or risk losing their homes, but later called back to say the party would not be “kicking permanent residents out of their house.” Pauline Hanson also clarified that permanent residents would not be forced to sell, while foreign owners and temporary visa holders would be given two years to sell Australian property under the party’s plan.
Tax changes face pushback
The live blog also covers criticism of Labor’s housing and tax reforms. Assistant treasurer Daniel Mulino rejected Coalition claims that the measures are being rushed, saying the debate has been running for a long time and has already included extensive parliamentary discussion. The changes would limit negative gearing to new houses from July 2027 and replace the current 50% capital gains tax discount with a rate linked to inflation. The House of Representatives has passed the measures, with a two-day Senate inquiry due later in June.
Wider policy agenda
Other updates underline the breadth of the day’s political agenda. NSW has abolished the use of “good character” references in sentencing hearings. Labor’s Help to Buy shared equity scheme has approved 2,589 applicants in five months. Some NSW pharmacists can now prescribe the contraceptive pill. A report says homelessness in NSW has risen 75% over six years. On gambling, former prime minister John Howard is among signatories to an open letter calling for stronger reforms. The mix points to an administration and opposition still fighting over housing costs, social harms, and the pace of reform.
Key points
- Barnaby Joyce corrected earlier comments and said One Nation would not force permanent residents out of their homes.
- Pauline Hanson said permanent residents would be excluded from the party's toughest housing policy.
- Labor's tax changes would restrict negative gearing to new homes from July 2027 and alter the capital gains tax discount.
- Assistant treasurer Daniel Mulino rejected claims the reforms are being rushed through parliament.
- John Howard is among signatories of an open letter calling for stronger gambling reforms.
If the clarifications hold, permanent residents would avoid the threat of being forced to sell homes, reducing confusion and fear. If the tax and housing measures pass after scrutiny, supporters say they could reshape the market in a way that keeps the debate on housing affordability moving.
The housing debate could stay messy if parties keep sending mixed messages about who is affected and how quickly rules would change. The tax changes could also deepen political conflict if opponents continue to argue the process has been rushed and not properly examined.
