Labor MP Asserts Government Victory in Housing Tax Reform Debate Amid Rising Homelessness

Labor MP Asserts Government Victory in Housing Tax Reform Debate Amid Rising Homelessness

Luca Ittimani

A Labor MP has declared victory in the debate over the government’s tax reforms, offering a brief meta‑commentary at the close of parliament’s sitting fortnight.

Julian Hill made the remarks during the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing on Thursday.

I believe the government’s won the debate on negative gearing and on capital gains tax for property.

We are making progress on removing distortions that have previously hampered the system, and we remain engaged with startups and other stakeholders.

I am convinced we have won the argument that will give young Australians a fair chance in the housing market.

Women in regional New South Wales who have faced weeks‑long waits for a doctor’s appointment to obtain a contraceptive prescription can now obtain it from participating pharmacies, Australian Associated Press reports.

Starting Friday, thirty pharmacists across the state, including Karen Carter, who brings nearly three and a half decades of experience, will be authorized to prescribe and supply the oral contraceptive pill to low‑risk women aged 18 to 39.

“It will be a great relief for women who might otherwise struggle to fit a doctor’s visit into their work schedules,” Carter said. “This simply provides another option.”

Carter completed a twelve‑month NSW Health course that qualifies her for first‑time prescribing. This initiative is part of a broader state program that expands pharmacy‑delivered services, including treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and common skin conditions.

Homelessness Increases 75% in NSW Over Six Years, Report Shows

Advocates are urging increased funding to address homelessness in regional areas, arguing that current approaches merely shift the problem rather than solve it, according to Australian Associated Press.

A Homelessness NSW report, based on state street‑count data, indicates a 75% rise in the number of people sleeping rough over the past six years.

Metropolitan Sydney’s count remained largely stable between 2020 and 2026, while the Illawarra Shoalhaven and southern NSW districts saw a surge from 27 to 213 individuals, a 689% increase.

The northern NSW and mid‑north coast region experienced growth from 407 to 1,024 people, making it the state’s largest homelessness hotspot.

Dominique Rowe, CEO of Homelessness NSW, said that state funding for support services must increase by 50% and that 10,000 new social housing units must be built annually to reach 10% of the total housing stock.

“About 92% of people who approach homelessness services are not receiving the assistance they need,” Rowe told AAP.

Updated at 17.06 EDT

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