A tenth consecutive interest rate hike has prompted urgent calls for more social housing to protect renters from rising costs.
Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize said that Australians are spending more and more on housing, and called on the government to step up and fund more social housing.
Everybody’s Home is a national campaign to fix the housing crisis. It was launched in 2018 by a coalition of housing, homelessness and welfare organisations to achieve the change needed so everybody has a safe and decent place to live.
According to their website the campaign now has more than 40,000 individual supporters and more than 400 organisational supporters.
“Rising interest rates are hurting everyone. Rents are soaring, and people are spending more and more on housing,” Ms Azize said.
“Renters are at the bottom of the ladder. Not only are they dealing with record high rents, but they are missing out on badly needed help as billions of dollars are spent on tax handouts for landlords.
“Many are forced to accept rent increases and have nowhere to turn. With low vacancy rates across the country, finding another rental is not an option. And with a shortfall of 500,000 social homes, struggling renters are simply trapped.
“It’s time for the government to step up and take action. The billions of dollars we spend propping up landlords would be better spent helping struggling renters, and building more social homes.
“The private market hasn’t been delivering low rents or social homes for people in need – even back when interest rates were at record lows. The only way to make it happen now that rates are going up is for the government to build the homes that Australians need.
“We’re calling on the Federal Government to start building 25,000 social homes each year. With thousands of Australians in rental stress and with the shortfall growing every year, there is no time to waste.”
