Anthony Albanese has been quizzed about purchasing a $4.3 million clifftop home while spruiking affordable housing.
Mr Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon purchased the four-bedroom oceanfront house at Copacabana on the NSW Central Coast.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday, the prime minister was asked whether the purchase was a “good look” during a cost-of-living crisis.
Mr Albanese acknowledged he was “much better off” as prime minister and rejected suggestions the purchase sent the wrong signal.
“I understand that I’ve been fortunate, but I also know what it’s like to struggle,” he said.
“My mum lived in the one public housing flat that she was born in for all of her 65 years.
“I know what it’s like, which is why I want to help all Australians into a home, whether it be public homes or private rentals or home ownership.”
The couple bought the property, which has uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean and Sydney skyline, to be closer to Ms Haydon’s family.
“Jodie and I are getting married, as is known, and I’m pleased about that,” Mr Albanese said.
“Jodie’s a coastie, she’s a proud coastie … there are three generations of Haydons on the coast there, and when your relationship changes, your life changes and you make decisions.”
The house has been described as a “premiere location to enjoy sun, whale watching or spectacular sunsets year-round”.
A real estate listing called the property “clifftop perfection”.
“Enjoying one of the most commanding positions on the cliff top of Copacabana yet within easy walk of the beach, this large architecturally designed home has uninterrupted ocean and Sydney skyline views from all levels,” it said.
Settlement was yet to be formalised, but the prime minister said his register of interests would be updated once the sale was complete.
The purchase has raised eyebrows as the next election is expected to be fought on housing affordability.
Interest rates, expensive rents and property prices dominate the national political debate.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the purchase was a matter for Mr Albanese.
“The prime minister can answer questions in relation to it otherwise, but the home owners in Australia that I’m worried about at the moment are people who can’t afford their mortgages,” he told reporters.
Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather hit out at the sale.
“Labor and the Liberals have created a housing system where a property investor can buy a $4.3m beachfront home, while millions can’t even find an affordable rental, let alone buy a house of their own,” he said.
Labor has legislated a $10 billion fund for social and affordable housing but its plan to help lower-income Australians buy 40,000 homes is stalled in the Senate.
