Barbara Pocock
@barbarapocock.bsky.social
Writer, mother, painter, unionist, professor, economist, Greens Senator for SA. Spokesperson for Housing, Workplace Relations, Employment, Finance, Public Sector.
Did you know the definition of ‘housing stress’ is when 30% of your household income is taken up by your rent or mortgage?
This isn’t normal.
This isn’t normal.
November 26, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Did you know the definition of ‘housing stress’ is when 30% of your household income is taken up by your rent or mortgage?
This isn’t normal.
This isn’t normal.
How ludicrous for Labor to cut $5 billion in public services during a cost of living crisis. Every six months the government pays around $5b in Fuel Tax Credits to mining corporations to burn fossil fuels. If Labor is going to cut spending, cut handouts to fossil fuel barons.
November 25, 2025 at 11:45 PM
How ludicrous for Labor to cut $5 billion in public services during a cost of living crisis. Every six months the government pays around $5b in Fuel Tax Credits to mining corporations to burn fossil fuels. If Labor is going to cut spending, cut handouts to fossil fuel barons.
Labor has backflipped on its 2022 election promise to rebuild the public sector with its intentions to slash 5% of spending off the public service. If Labor wants to tighten the public purse then rein in overspending on consultancy firms instead of cutting the public service.
November 25, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Labor has backflipped on its 2022 election promise to rebuild the public sector with its intentions to slash 5% of spending off the public service. If Labor wants to tighten the public purse then rein in overspending on consultancy firms instead of cutting the public service.
A nightmare. Since March 2020, home values have risen by 47.3%, lifting the median dwelling value $280,000 to $872,500. The price-to-income ratio, years to save a deposit, & the share of income needed for rent are all at record highs. And homelessness. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
'Extraordinary' housing values crushes home ownership dreams
Home prices have risen by almost 50 per cent in the past five years, with more than a decade now needed to save for a standard 20 per cent deposit for a house in most capital cities, according to a ne...
www.abc.net.au
November 24, 2025 at 8:33 PM
A nightmare. Since March 2020, home values have risen by 47.3%, lifting the median dwelling value $280,000 to $872,500. The price-to-income ratio, years to save a deposit, & the share of income needed for rent are all at record highs. And homelessness. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Australia’s rental market remains dire according to the latest data from SGS Economics and Planning’s Rental Affordability Index 2025. Australia is in a national housing crisis that is spiralling out of control and renters are paying the price. 🧵
sgsep.com.au/publications...
sgsep.com.au/publications...
Rental Affordability Index 2025: Signs of stabilisation, but pressures remain high | SGS Economics & Planning
We are economists, planners and spatial analysts using evidence-based insights to shape more sustainable cities and regions. Sign up to receive our independent research and insights.
sgsep.com.au
November 24, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Australia’s rental market remains dire according to the latest data from SGS Economics and Planning’s Rental Affordability Index 2025. Australia is in a national housing crisis that is spiralling out of control and renters are paying the price. 🧵
sgsep.com.au/publications...
sgsep.com.au/publications...
Beyond transparency, we need decent management at the BoM. And an end to consultancy rorts. www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
Total bill for BoM’s new website came in at $96 million
In his first interview, new Bureau of Meteorology chief Stuart Minchin has revealed the eye-watering true cost of its lambasted new website.
www.theage.com.au
November 22, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Beyond transparency, we need decent management at the BoM. And an end to consultancy rorts. www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
This is what our amendment was all about, giving workers back their time. 💚
November 20, 2025 at 5:09 AM
This is what our amendment was all about, giving workers back their time. 💚
APRA must intervene to reign in investor lending growth if we're going to get serious about people being able to purchase their own home.
www.afr.com/companies/fi...
www.afr.com/companies/fi...
APRA warns banks, superannuation funds on growing housing risk
The prudential regulator says it has found “signs of a pick-up in higher risk lending” and is engaging with lenders on potential curbs to slow it down.
www.afr.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:05 AM
APRA must intervene to reign in investor lending growth if we're going to get serious about people being able to purchase their own home.
www.afr.com/companies/fi...
www.afr.com/companies/fi...
As we wrap up another Trans Awareness Week filled with celebration and pride, let’s take a moment to observe a more solemn occasion - Trans Day of Remembrance. Today we honour & remember those who have tragically lost their lives to transphobic violence, discrimination and hate.
November 19, 2025 at 11:55 PM
As we wrap up another Trans Awareness Week filled with celebration and pride, let’s take a moment to observe a more solemn occasion - Trans Day of Remembrance. Today we honour & remember those who have tragically lost their lives to transphobic violence, discrimination and hate.
Trigger warning: Look away if you are trying to buy a house. Labor’s 5% deposit is turbocharging the 🏠 crisis: ‘The median house price across the combined capital cities is expected to rise by $102,500 to $1.3 million’. www.afr.com/property/res...
Sydney median house price to hit $1.9m, records for all cities in 2026
All capital cities are expected to reach record median values next year, with the first home buyer scheme a key factor pushing prices higher.
www.afr.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Trigger warning: Look away if you are trying to buy a house. Labor’s 5% deposit is turbocharging the 🏠 crisis: ‘The median house price across the combined capital cities is expected to rise by $102,500 to $1.3 million’. www.afr.com/property/res...
21-34 year olds 2014-2023:
67% ⬆️ in house prices
& just 20% ⬆️ in wages 2014. Solutions? End subsidies for first home buyers eg Labor’s 5% deposit debacle & fix capital gains tax
67% ⬆️ in house prices
& just 20% ⬆️ in wages 2014. Solutions? End subsidies for first home buyers eg Labor’s 5% deposit debacle & fix capital gains tax
November 19, 2025 at 7:59 AM
21-34 year olds 2014-2023:
67% ⬆️ in house prices
& just 20% ⬆️ in wages 2014. Solutions? End subsidies for first home buyers eg Labor’s 5% deposit debacle & fix capital gains tax
67% ⬆️ in house prices
& just 20% ⬆️ in wages 2014. Solutions? End subsidies for first home buyers eg Labor’s 5% deposit debacle & fix capital gains tax
100's of jobs cut at CSIRO when it has never been more important for govts to invest in science & research. Why can Labor find $$ for AUKUS but not our nation’s premier science, industry & research org? The Greens implore the Albanese government to commit funding & prevent cuts.
November 19, 2025 at 3:37 AM
100's of jobs cut at CSIRO when it has never been more important for govts to invest in science & research. Why can Labor find $$ for AUKUS but not our nation’s premier science, industry & research org? The Greens implore the Albanese government to commit funding & prevent cuts.
The impacts of the algal bloom are still evident along our South Australian shores, dead fish scattered as far as the morning walk. To face the climate change driven causes behind this national disaster Australia needs a firm commitment to stopping the expansion of fossil fuels.
November 19, 2025 at 12:47 AM
The impacts of the algal bloom are still evident along our South Australian shores, dead fish scattered as far as the morning walk. To face the climate change driven causes behind this national disaster Australia needs a firm commitment to stopping the expansion of fossil fuels.
Working just as Labor intended.
We need real change. That means building public and affordable homes where people live and work & cutting back on tax perks for rich investors.
We need real change. That means building public and affordable homes where people live and work & cutting back on tax perks for rich investors.
November 18, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Working just as Labor intended.
We need real change. That means building public and affordable homes where people live and work & cutting back on tax perks for rich investors.
We need real change. That means building public and affordable homes where people live and work & cutting back on tax perks for rich investors.
Australia needs to get back into the business of giving loans to owner occupiers rather than property investors - and if the government won’t do it, then APRA should.
November 18, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Australia needs to get back into the business of giving loans to owner occupiers rather than property investors - and if the government won’t do it, then APRA should.
Bob Brown nails it. ‘In the lobbies of Canberra, corporate power rules. But across the nation there is rising frustration, anger and action engendered by the loss of forests, woodlands, wildlife, wetlands and marine (including coral) wellbeing.’
www.afr.com/politics/fed...
www.afr.com/politics/fed...
Saving nature needs a Labor environment minister like Richo
Amendments to the EPBC Act means the minister can approve a project in the “national interest” no matter its destructive impact on the environment.
www.afr.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Bob Brown nails it. ‘In the lobbies of Canberra, corporate power rules. But across the nation there is rising frustration, anger and action engendered by the loss of forests, woodlands, wildlife, wetlands and marine (including coral) wellbeing.’
www.afr.com/politics/fed...
www.afr.com/politics/fed...
Investors are overwhelming first home buyers and pushing up house prices. Time for the Treasurer to open the prudential toolbox. www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
‘Put the brakes on’: Record $40b investor blitz has banking regulator on high alert
The value of mortgages taken out by property investors has soared more than a third in just six months. It could force new rules to curb their enthusiasm.
www.theage.com.au
November 14, 2025 at 5:13 AM
Investors are overwhelming first home buyers and pushing up house prices. Time for the Treasurer to open the prudential toolbox. www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...
A housing crisis that is on fire. Build public housing. Fix the taxes driving the explosive spike in wealthy property investor activity. Cap investor borrowing. End unlimited rent increases. www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Fixing Australia's housing crisis — is increasing supply really a silver bullet? - ABC listen
Build more houses. That'll fix Australia's housing crisis won't it? If you listen to governments, you'd sure think so. Under the National Housing Accord, all governments have agreed to support a targ...
www.abc.net.au
November 13, 2025 at 10:08 PM
A housing crisis that is on fire. Build public housing. Fix the taxes driving the explosive spike in wealthy property investor activity. Cap investor borrowing. End unlimited rent increases. www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
The Greens are calling on APRA to step in & stop the skyrocketing property investor lending that is fueling the housing crisis. New ABS data shows investor lending has jumped by 12.3% while first-home buyer loans have risen by just 0.9%. Who's buying all the houses? Investors. 🧵
November 12, 2025 at 1:51 AM
The Greens are calling on APRA to step in & stop the skyrocketing property investor lending that is fueling the housing crisis. New ABS data shows investor lending has jumped by 12.3% while first-home buyer loans have risen by just 0.9%. Who's buying all the houses? Investors. 🧵
Our housing system is broken. There are 175,000+ people on the waiting list for social housing. Housing is a human right. It’s time we acted like it. www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Broken public housing policy not unfixable, former top judge says - ABC listen
How has the dream of owning a home become so intertwined with generating wealth, that it's led the system to failure, and affected now chronic demands on public housing?
www.abc.net.au
November 11, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Our housing system is broken. There are 175,000+ people on the waiting list for social housing. Housing is a human right. It’s time we acted like it. www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
If you’re getting paid twice the amount of the PM, I would expect you to be able to answer questions about money spent in your role.
November 11, 2025 at 6:23 AM
If you’re getting paid twice the amount of the PM, I would expect you to be able to answer questions about money spent in your role.
Lest we forget the horrors and the human and global costs of war.
Never again.
The white poppy is included in this image to represent our commitment to peace, non-violence, and meaningful justice.
Never again.
The white poppy is included in this image to represent our commitment to peace, non-violence, and meaningful justice.
November 10, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Lest we forget the horrors and the human and global costs of war.
Never again.
The white poppy is included in this image to represent our commitment to peace, non-violence, and meaningful justice.
Never again.
The white poppy is included in this image to represent our commitment to peace, non-violence, and meaningful justice.
www.afr.com/property/res...
I would be very worried if I was leading an organisation with 25 per cent staff turnover, like the HAFF.
I would be very worried if I was leading an organisation with 25 per cent staff turnover, like the HAFF.
Housing Australia buys a third of homes ‘off shelf’ from developers
The embattled government agency is being criticised over its purchase of thousands of ready-made dwellings, rather than commissioning new construction.
www.afr.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:11 AM
www.afr.com/property/res...
I would be very worried if I was leading an organisation with 25 per cent staff turnover, like the HAFF.
I would be very worried if I was leading an organisation with 25 per cent staff turnover, like the HAFF.
Why have the major parties teamed up to delay the right to work from home? Why stand in the way of modest, sensible reform that makes sense for modern day workers? The right to WFH for up to 2 days a week is essential for so many juggling work and caring responsibilities.
November 6, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Why have the major parties teamed up to delay the right to work from home? Why stand in the way of modest, sensible reform that makes sense for modern day workers? The right to WFH for up to 2 days a week is essential for so many juggling work and caring responsibilities.
The Greens want to restore super to its original purpose of providing a dignified retirement for working Australians.
The Liberal's split super bill won’t do that.
The Liberal's split super bill won’t do that.
November 5, 2025 at 5:46 AM
The Greens want to restore super to its original purpose of providing a dignified retirement for working Australians.
The Liberal's split super bill won’t do that.
The Liberal's split super bill won’t do that.