Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino defends housing tax changes amid property market downturn | The Issue

Key points

• Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino has rejected criticism of the government's housing tax changes, saying some commentary exaggerates the property downturn. He told 7NEWS that the tax distortions needed to be addressed alongside building more homes.
• Industry data shows new home sales fell 17.5 per cent in the September quarter, with interest rates and post-budget uncertainty identified as key problems. Economist Richard Holden argues inflation has risen on the back of increased government spending, while Mulino says savings have been found in every budget.
• Some have questioned whether Treasurer Jim Chalmers should keep his job, which Mulino dismissed.