More than half of Australia’s federal parliamentarians have disclosed ownership of investment properties or multiple homes, with at least 50 receiving rental income as landlords. This revelation comes at a time when the federal government is actively exploring solutions to address the nation’s pressing housing shortage.
The property portfolios of some of the country’s most influential politicians have been laid bare, including holdings such as holiday homes, beach shacks, second houses interstate, and even overseas real estate. An analysis by Guardian Australia of the parliamentary register of interests reveals that 131 out of 226 federal MPs and senators have declared ownership of multiple properties, investment properties, or both.
Political Property Holdings: A Closer Look
At least 92 parliamentarians have disclosed properties listed as investment, rental, or under the category of “landlord.” A total of 125 politicians, representing 56% of the parliament, have reported owning multiple properties. Meanwhile, six have declared a single property, which they list as an investment, with no ownership of residential property.
Michelle Ananda-Rajah, a Labor MP turned senator for Victoria, stands out with the highest number of properties, owning six, all categorized as “residential/investment.” Her portfolio includes three properties in Melbourne, one in Brisbane, one in Beaumaris, Tasmania, and another in rural Victoria’s Porepunkah.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also lists six properties: two residential homes in Sydney and Canberra, and four investments, with three located in Tasmania and another in Victoria’s Port Phillip.
High-Profile Politicians and Their Portfolios
Rising Labor assistant minister Andrew Charlton has declared five “residential investment” properties, including homes in affluent Sydney suburbs such as Bellevue Hill, Woollahra, and the northern beaches. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, residing at The Lodge in Canberra, has listed two investment properties. His Central Coast cliffside home is declared as an investment, jointly owned with his fiancée Jodie Haydon, and another property in Marrickville is listed as “former home/investment.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has declared four properties, including a residential and two investment homes in Albury, and another investment property on the Gold Coast. Nationals Leader David Littleproud has declared two private residences, one in Canberra and another in Queensland, along with an investment property on the Gold Coast.
Guardian Australia’s analysis includes only properties declared by the parliamentarian themselves, not their partners or children. Many politicians note further extensive real estate holdings from their spouses.
Implications for the Housing Crisis
The disclosure of these extensive property holdings comes as Australia grapples with a significant housing shortage. According to housing experts, the disparity between political ownership of multiple properties and the average Australian struggling to secure affordable housing highlights a disconnect that could influence policy decisions.
Michelle Rowland, the Attorney General, has listed two “residential investment” properties in Potts Point and Caves Beach. Additionally, she declared a trust, in which she owns a share, that operates “real property investments” in Glenwood, Randwick, and Kingston.
Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill has declared five properties, including a home at Copacabana on the New South Wales Central Coast and four investment properties across Queensland, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Looking Forward: Policy and Public Perception
The public disclosure of these property holdings could influence upcoming policy discussions on housing affordability and availability. As the government seeks to address these issues, the personal investments of politicians in real estate may become a focal point for public scrutiny and debate.
Labor’s Housing Minister Clare O’Neil has listed one residential property, while her shadow counterpart, Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg, has also listed a single residential home. Greens Leader Larissa Waters has similarly declared one residential property.
Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi has listed two homes in Beaconsfield, Sydney, one residential and one investment, as well as rental income from the latter. Fellow Greens Senator Nick McKim from Tasmania declared four properties, including a home in Hobart, a shack and agricultural land at Nubeena, and a residential property in New Norfolk, tenanted to a family member.
Independent MP Allegra Spender declared three properties: a home in Darling Point, a holiday house at Great Mackerel Beach, and a property in Woollahra listed as an “estate asset.”
As the housing debate continues, the extent of political property ownership may serve as a catalyst for more robust discussions on how to effectively tackle the housing crisis in Australia.
