Barnaby Joyce claims people who ‘look like’ recent arrivals dominate auctions. Who is he talking about?
Australian politician Barnaby Joyce has faced criticism for suggesting that recent migrants are responsible for displacing local buyers at house auctions. Experts and government officials have countered these claims by citing data showing foreign buyers account for less than 1% of property purchases.
Why it matters
The comments highlight the ongoing political tension in Australia regarding housing affordability and the role of immigration in public discourse.
One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce says people born in Australia ‘get sick of going to a house auction and being knocked out of it by people … who look like they’ve recently arrived’. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP View image in fullscreen One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce says people born in Australia ‘get sick of going to a house auction and being knocked out of it by people … who look like they’ve recently arrived’. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Housing Barnaby Joyce claims people who ‘look like’ recent arrivals dominate auctions. Who is he talking about? Statistics show fewer than 1% of homes are bought by foreigners, as race discrimination commissioner warns against blaming migrants for housing woes
The article reports on a right-wing politician's controversial statement while providing counter-evidence, typical of The Guardian's editorial stance.
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