Arabic version: الائتلاف يستهدف المقيمين الدائمين في تحول جديد في سياسة الإسكان
The Coalition has unveiled a controversial plan to block permanent residents from accessing the government’s first home buyers scheme, a move that has been widely criticized. Liberal leader Angus Taylor announced this policy as part of a broader crackdown on immigration, stating that key social and economic entitlements will be reserved for Australian citizens only.
According to The Guardian, Taylor’s proposal marks a significant shift in policy, with roots tracing back to the anti-immigration stance of One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. The policy has gained traction in right-wing circles and has been supported by various media outlets.
Permanent residents, who have rights to live and work in Australia indefinitely, currently benefit from the first home buyers scheme, which was expanded by the Labor government in October 2025. This scheme has reportedly helped over 300,000 Australians, including more than 48,000 permanent residents, representing 16% of the total. However, the Coalition’s new approach aims to restrict these benefits, framing it as a necessary step to prioritize citizens.
In his announcement, Taylor expressed outrage that non-citizens had previously accessed the scheme, asserting that taxpayer-funded support should only benefit Australian citizens. The policy has sparked a heated debate about immigration and housing access in Australia, with critics arguing that it unfairly targets a significant segment of the population.
As the Coalition pushes forward with this policy, it remains to be seen how it will affect the housing market and the rights of permanent residents in Australia.
