Mortgage broker Joseph Daoud has voiced his dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's office, stating he has not yet been contacted to arrange a charity tennis match he won at the Midwinter Ball auction on July 1. Daoud paid $16,500 for the opportunity to play against the Prime Minister.
Daoud, a vocal critic of the government's proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, has been publicly campaigning against what he terms 'ambition taxes.' These policy changes aim to assist first-home buyers by limiting negative gearing to new builds and introducing a 30% minimum tax on capital gains. However, Daoud argues these measures negatively impact existing homeowners, business owners, and investors by devaluing property.
He noted that 11 business days had passed since winning the auction without any contact to schedule the match. Daoud questioned the delay, wondering about the internal processes and if background checks were being conducted. He directly addressed the Prime Minister, introducing himself as someone who has dedicated his career to assisting first-home buyers and urging Albanese to get in touch.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the organization of the match had not yet formally begun, with the Midwinter Ball organizers still responsible for connecting the auction winner with the Prime Minister's Office. Daoud had secured the match with the hope of directly discussing housing affordability and tax policy with Albanese.
Prime Minister Albanese responded to the situation in Parliament on July 2, after the Coalition mentioned Daoud's name. Albanese described Daoud as a 'mate' of the Opposition and suggested that his ability to spend significant amounts on billboards and auctions contrasted with the struggles of first-home buyers. Albanese affirmed his priority is supporting first-home buyers and those seeking the security of a home.
Daoud expressed surprise at Albanese's comments, asserting that they overlooked the crucial role mortgage brokers play in aiding young Australians in purchasing homes. He contended that politicians should seek input from professionals working directly with aspiring homeowners. Daoud also disputed the government's claims that the tax changes would improve housing affordability, explaining that the current uncertainty is making potential buyers hesitant, citing a decrease in auction clearance rates in Sydney and Melbourne since the budget was announced.