The Speaker seems highly confident his job's safe, despite outcry over his taxpayer funded legal battle.

The defamation case cost more than $330,000 after Trevor Mallard wrongly accused a Parliamentary staffer of rape.

At a select committee, National MP Michael Woodhouse asked Mallard for his predictions - if there's a Motion of no Confidence in him next year.

He says he's been in Parliament for about 19 motions against Speakers, and none have been successful.

Mallard says he has a lot of support from around the Chamber.

Meanwhile, a package to stifle the housing crisis can be expected early next year.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson's reviewing settings around housing - and says he has advice from Treasury and the Reserve Bank.

Treasury's today unveiled its half-year economic and fiscal update - with a forecast of continued house price growth in the coming years.

Robertson says he supports 'sustained moderation' in house price inflation.

Listen above as Jack Tame and Tim Beveridge discuss the day's news with Heather du Plessis-Allan on The Huddle