Housing affordability for Australians on low incomes in the north of Tasmania 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 Burnie, single parents are required to spend 55% of their weekly income on rent.
Everybody’s Home crosse referenced SQM rental data with income profiles to find :
· Those receiving a single parent support payment in Burnie (Division of Braddon, Tas) are spending 55% of their income on rent, while hospitality workers are spending 46% of their income on rent.
· Single parent support payment recipients in Launceston (Division of Bass, Tas) are spending 71% of their income on rent, while hospitality workers are spending 59% of their wages on rent.
Burnie and Launceston saw an increase in rental prices over the course of the last 12 months of between 9 and 19 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.”
