Kelly, a resident of Turramurra, reflects on her journey from fleeing violence to finding stability, aided by a Link housing scholarship that enabled her to attend university and become a lawyer. She describes how having a consistent home has allowed her to escape “survival mode” and focus on her family’s wellbeing. In her words, without a safe place, the primary concern for parents is simply providing for their children’s basic needs.
Recent polling indicates that 73% of Australians prioritise housing affordability when voting, with 54% more likely to support parties advocating for increased social housing. Wendy Hayhurst, CEO of the Community Housing Industry Association, highlights that many cannot afford to rent or cover living expenses.
The Australian government has initiated a $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund to expand public housing, but the Community Housing Association calls for this to be quadrupled. Housing Minister Clare O’Neil emphasises the fund’s potential impact on the housing market, while the Coalition focuses on infrastructure investment for future homes.
Housing costs are a major factor in the rising cost of living, which is a pressing issue for many households. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher assures continued efforts to support low-income earners relying on Commonwealth Rent Assistance, while crossbench Senator Jacqui Lambie demands that legislative measures must address living costs effectively.