Housing affordability for people on low incomes in inner city Brisbane is declining as new data released for Anti-Poverty Week shows parents on single parent support payments and low paid workers in the hospitality industry are among the worst impacted by soaring housing costs.
In the Brisbane CBD, single parents are required to spend more than 80% of their weekly income on rent.
Everybody’s Home crosse referenced SQM rental data with income profiles to find :
· In the Brisbane CBD, (Division of Brisbane, QLD) single parent payment recipients are paying 93% of their income on rent, while hospitality workers in the city are paying 78% of their weekly earnings.
The Brisbane CBD saw an increase in rental prices over the course of the last 12 months of 14 percent.
Everybody’s Home said all political parties must commit to action on housing and in particular a commitment to building social housing ahead of the next federal election.
“The Federal Government must do more to support those most vulnerable in our community, there is not enough social housing and support payments are simply too low”
Everybody’s Home spokesperson Kate Colvin said.
“Expecting low-income Australians to pay more than 80% of their income on housing is unfair and not sustainable, this is a real crisis that requires urgent action.”
Low support payments combined with a lack of social housing has created a ticking time bomb of social inequality. Without action now, we will see a further increase in housing stress and homelessness.” Ms Colvin said.
“Housing will be a key issue across Australia at the next Federal Election. We need to see concrete plans from all candidates on what they plan to do about the out-of-control housing costs.”
