Zali Steggall MP asks the Government to use the sold-off HMAS Penguin Land for Affordable Housing
12 February 2026
Zali Steggall MP: Warringah contains some of the most expensive land in the country, contributing to a shortage of crisis accommodation and social and affordable housing. The government has announced plans to divest part of HMAS Penguin land at Balmoral in Warringah, and intends to seek full market value, prompting concerns the land will be sold to wealthy developers for luxury apartments and not address issues of public are affordable, social and affordable housing or crisis accommodation, crisis accommodation? Will the minister take steps to ensure this public asset is used for social benefit?
The Treasurer: Thanks very much, Mr Speaker, and to the honourable member for her question. I will speak to my colleagues about that specific parcel of land that you that the honourable member refers to. I know that you've raised it with us in good faith, and we will check it out. On our approach to social housing more broadly, we've built about 5000 social and affordable homes already. There's another 25,000 in planning or construction. And that's because unlike our predecessors, we are taking this housing challenge very seriously. And we know that in different communities around Australia, there are different opportunities to build more social and community housing. And as we go about that important task, we'll be as consultative as we can be.
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