Peter Khalil (Wills, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Many vulnerable Australians are renters, and a large number have been in financial stress for prolonged periods. It means they're also more sensitive to rent increases, and we know rental affordability has also gotten worse. I've spoken to a lot of people in my electorate who are struggling with rent increases and who fear they made may need to move further out to find a home within the same price range.

Vacancy rates, as we know, are so low right across the country, and landlords have been able to pass on interest rate rises to tenants in the form of increased rent. More Australians are turning to share houses as well. Low-income earners, including pensioners, single parents who work part-time, and students, are being priced out of the rental market. Of those who are currently renting, around one million live in homes that are unsafe for their health—just think about that—but they're too afraid to speak up or request repairs, because they're afraid they might get evicted because of it.

Many young people are facing rent increase after rent increase, making it unaffordable to make ends meet, let alone save for a deposit. Certainly many young people have completely given up on ever owning their own home, which is much different than it was 30 years ago. Essential workers—nurses, aged-care workers, early educators, police, ambos and those in hospitality—are being priced out of the rental market. Workers on average are spending around two-thirds of their income on rent. These are the same essential workers that helped us get through the pandemic. My office supports people on a weekly basis who are struggling with evictions and rent increases, who need emergency accommodation, who are waiting for public housing to become available. But we, as a government, know that systemic change is required. That is why the Albanese government is focused on Housing Australia.

We've announced and are implementing multiple reforms and housing policies to change the system, because we need structural changes that will have a long-lasting benefit for millions. These are not a bandaid solution. The Albanese government is committed to ensuring more Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home, whether they're buying, renting or needing a safe space to spend the night.

In just our first year of government, housing has been front of mind in terms of both affordability and supply. The Housing Australia Future Fund, the Social Housing Accelerator and build-to-rent are steps we have taken, announcements we have made, implementing and increasing the number of dwellings across the country. It's real.

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