The delicate relationship between Labor and the Greens often swings from confrontation to cooperation. But this week, during the stand-off over the government's housing bill, something snapped, writes David Speers.
The Greens' decision not to support the housing bill this week, but instead join forces with the Coalition to defer a vote until October, was a high-risk move. It was a political calculation aimed at squeezing something somewhat ill-defined from the government on a rental freeze.
But the delay will have a practical impact, according to the government. The fund was supposed to start delivering returns in 2023-24. Community housing providers were hoping to start on a range of projects within weeks. They are dismayed at the delay. None support the Greens' tactic. University of Sydney law professor Anne Twomey says this week's deferral could be regarded as a failure to pass.
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