Australian Parliament Passes Help to Buy Bill

Parliament has passed the Urban Development Bill, establishing a framework for urban center development, but concerns have been raised about its potential to undermine local councils' decentralization authority. The bill, supported by the ruling People's National Congress, was opposed by the Maldivian Democratic Party, which argued it would restrict local councils' powers. In Australia, the Labor government's Help to Buy scheme has also been approved, allowing for government co-purchase of homes for first-time buyers, after significant negotiation with the Greens. The Help to Buy bill, which establishes a national shared equity scheme, is designed to assist about 40,000 households and has passed after nearly 300 days of delay. Housing Minister Clare O’Neil emphasized the importance of these housing policies in the face of opposition from the Coalition. With both legislative efforts, there is a clear intent to address housing issues while balancing local governance concerns.