One Nation is proposing a five-year moratorium on charging GST on building materials to reduce the cost of new housing and help prevent more construction businesses from closing.

Party leader Senator Pauline Hanson, announcing the policy in Parliament today, said Labor was driving with one foot on the accelerator and another on the brake pedal when it came to housing construction.

“The Albanese government may be pouring billions of dollars into housing to address its immigration-driven housing crisis, but government charges, new regulations and requirements, and alarming increases in the cost of building materials are significant barriers,” Senator Hanson said.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, timber costs have risen more than 200%. Electrical materials have risen almost 200%, and plumbing materials and fixtures have gone up around 100%. After labour costs, these sharp increases are the biggest factor in the collapse of construction businesses.

“One Nation’s policy calls for a five-year moratorium on charging GST on these materials for new homes up to a value of $1 million, a review of the many taxes, fees, duties, and charges that make up to 44% of the cost of new homes, and getting rid of new requirements to make all new homes disability-compliant.

“This new requirement can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home. A disability-compliant bathroom can cost $20,000 more than a basic bathroom.

“In an effort to be more inclusive, Labor governments are excluding more Australians from the great Australian dream. Australians—most of whom don’t need disability-compliant homes—should be free to have their homes built to their own requirements.

“One Nation’s policy will give the building sector some much-needed breathing room, improve affordability, and better allow Australia to catch up on our massive housing shortfall. It’s part of our plan to slash government waste and put more money in Australians’
pockets, pay down debt, and invest in Australia’s future.”

ENDS