On Tuesday, the Labor Government released plans for the 2023-24 Federal Budget, including their strategy to address the escalating rental crisis. Image credit: Pixabay
On Tuesday, the Labor Government released plans for the 2023-24 Federal Budget, including their strategy to address the escalating rental crisis.
The Greens have expressed vocal opposition to Labor’s plans, which many say falls dramatically short of addressing the country’s growing rate of homelessness.
The new Federal Budget proposed by Labor includes a 15 per cent increase to the maximum rate of the Commonwealth Rent Assistance program, which amounts to up to $31 a fortnight.
However, many residents have seen their rent increased by more than $100 per week since their last lease.
Rental prices in Brisbane have surged over 30 per cent since the COVID-19 outbreak, leaving many without access to adequate housing or shelter.
Anglicare Australia recently released a Rental Affordability Snapshot, which sheds light on the state of Brisbane’s rental market.
The analysis found that of the nearly 3,000 properties available for rent in Brisbane, only nine were considered affordable for households receiving income support, and just 82 properties were suitable for people living on minimum wage.
Even then, renters in lower income brackets are unlikely to secure these properties, as reports show prospective tenants offering well above above the asking price of rentals just to see their application considered.
Greens leader Adam Bandt called it a “betrayal of renters, students, jobseekers, young people and everyone doing it tough.”
“If you receive rent assistance, you will get an extra $1.12 per day,” he said.
“That’s not going to cover rent increases which are rising ten times that amount in capital cities.”
Homelessness Australia CEO Kate Colvin welcomed any increase to welfare payments, but echoed sentiments that it was insufficient to address the crisis.
“Unfortunately, many recipients will still be treading water and more rent rises are expected. The truth is, the housing crisis and pressure on homelessness services will continue,” Ms Colvin said.
“While the budget includes a financial surplus, it has left a social deficit of unresolved homelessness that will create hardship for families and financial costs to the community in future years.”
With limited options for housing, many Australians are now sleeping rough, in their cars, or in growing “tent cities” in the nation’s capitals.
