PM-Albanese and Ministers Promote Major Social Housing Expansion During Jacka Visit
Canberra (Jacka, ACT), June 2026 — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and senior ministers have used a press conference at a major housing construction site in the ACT to promote the government’s housing agenda, defend economic policy settings, and respond to questions on international tensions, cost-of-living pressures, and domestic reforms.
The visit took place in the suburb of Jacka, where 57 new social and affordable homes are under construction as part of the federal government’s broader Housing Australia Future Fund program.
Housing at the centre of government message
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh opened the event by highlighting the development as an example of federal investment in social housing, noting the site sits on Ngunnawal land.
Leigh pointed to historical references to the suburb’s namesake, Albert Jacka, before framing the development as part of a wider effort to improve housing affordability.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the project reflected a broader national strategy to increase housing supply and address affordability pressures.
“This is $50 million of Commonwealth expenditure on this site,” Mr Albanese said, adding that the government is committed to delivering tens of thousands of social and affordable homes nationwide under the Housing Australia Future Fund.
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil said the government’s approach was the most ambitious housing agenda in decades, arguing that Australia had experienced years of underbuilding.
She said the government was focused on increasing supply, improving rental conditions, and expanding pathways to home ownership.
Government defends housing policy and tax changes
Mr Albanese used the press conference to contrast the government’s housing program with previous administrations, stating that only 373 social housing dwellings were built over nearly a decade under the former government, compared with a target of 55,000 under the current plan.
He also defended recent policy changes affecting property investment arrangements, including reforms to negative gearing rules.
Under the proposed changes, existing investors would retain current arrangements, while new investors would be required to direct tax benefits toward newly built housing.
The Prime Minister said the changes were intended to improve fairness in the housing market and reduce competition pressures faced by first-home buyers.
International tensions and fuel supply concerns addressed
At the start of the press conference, Mr Albanese also addressed international developments, including a reported agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating regional conflict.
He welcomed the move but warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz would continue to affect global shipping and fuel supply chains for months.
“We need to be very conscious that this does not mean everything returns to normal in a day or even a month,” Mr Albanese said.
He also praised diplomatic efforts by countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan in facilitating negotiations.
Cost-of-living measures and fuel excise under review
The Prime Minister confirmed the government is considering further cost-of-living measures, including potential adjustments to fuel excise settings, ahead of upcoming fiscal deadlines.
He said Cabinet’s Expenditure Review Committee would assess options in the coming days before any final decision is made.
“We’ll make an assessment over coming days,” Mr Albanese said, noting that any changes would need to be announced before the end of the financial period to allow public notice.
Questions on NDIS reform and social policy
The government also faced questions about proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms, following concerns raised at a recent parliamentary inquiry.
Mr Albanese defended the need for reform, citing rising costs and long-term sustainability issues, but insisted that no participants would be left without support.
He also reaffirmed that Labor “created the NDIS” and remains committed to its continuation.
Foreign policy and AUKUS stance reiterated
In response to questions regarding UK defence leadership changes, Mr Albanese declined to comment on private discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer but reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to the AUKUS defence partnership.
Political messaging ahead of ongoing cost-of-living debate
The Prime Minister used the press conference to emphasise government achievements in health, education, housing, and wage policy, while criticising opposition parties for voting against several cost-of-living measures.
He also addressed recent polling suggesting rising support for One Nation, arguing that the government remains focused on delivering practical outcomes rather than engaging in political attacks.
“We’ll continue to deliver for Australians,” Mr Albanese said. “It’s easy to identify grievance. The issue is providing solutions.”
Source: Australian Government- PM/Press realeased
