Anglicare Australia releases Rental Affordability Snapshot shows politicking on raising Newstart is leaving people homeless
The Australian Greens said today Anglicare Australia’s Rental Affordability Snapshot once again demonstrates the urgent need for an increase to Newstart and Youth Allowance.
“I’m not at all surprised that Anglicare found that no properties in any capital city or regional centre were affordable for a single person on Youth Allowance or Newstart, I’ve been talking about this, as has the sector for over a decade,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens spokesperson on Families and Community Services said.
“This Government should be deeply ashamed that there are only two properties across the entire country available for those on Newstart. While housing costs and the cost of living keep going up, Newstart hasn’t had an increase for 25 years.
“Income support payments need to be increased to accurately reflect the cost of living.
“I find it very distressing that people living on income support payments, particularly Newstart and Youth Allowance are living in housing stress, it’s particularly disturbing to see the rising trend of older single women experiencing housing stress and homelessness.
“We have to address housing if we are going to get to the heart of disadvantage and break the cycle of poverty in our community.
“The Greens are the only party who have presented a comprehensive plan this election to address poverty and disadvantage.
“The fact is, if you are on an income support payment you are very likely to be living in poverty, close to poverty and in housing stress.
“The major parties need to get on board with the community, economists and the social services sector and commit to raising the rate of Newstart immediately.”
Out of 7,898 rental listings, the number of affordable rentals for:
- A person on Newstart: 0
- A person on the age pension: 63
- A person on the disability pension: 63
- A person on Youth Allowance: 0
- A person on the minimum wage: 145
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Lucy Cowcher-Guthrie: 0418 401 180