Developer is winner but at what price?

THE housing crisis isn't really a "crisis" at all - it’s simply government policy.

- COMMENT LARISSA NOLAN

We saw more of that yesterday in a set of economic measures where the developer was the big winner.

Budget 2026 ensures the status quo is maintained, with measures that will do little or nothing to change things for those trapped in it.

It will make no meaningful difference to those who can't afford to rent or buy; or to those stuck handing over half their wage to a landlord.

Ordinary people trying to get on the housing ladder won't notice an improvement.

And there is nothing in Budget 2026 to help those in emergency accommodation, where a record 5,000 children are now growing up.