The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) has questioned why Adam Bandt is blocking Bills to build more houses and calling for inquiries instead.

REIA President, Hayden Groves, said the current approach by the Greens could not be more absurd or counterproductive in addressing housing supply.

“We know that by next financial year we need at least 106,000 new homes for Australians.

“At the same time there is nearly a quarter of a million Australians on wait lists for social and affordable housing.

“Rental properties and homes for sale within our existing home inventory are the lowest on record.

“Rather than take tangible steps to fix housing supply and improve conditions for renters, Adam Bandt and his parliamentary team have simply decided to form a committee instead.

“This inquiry – and their persistent calls for rent freezes and rent controls – will do nothing for rental supply, further damage rental affordability and do nothing to benefit renters over time.”