A protester has set up a tent outside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s residence on the NSW Central Coast to highlight the ongoing housing crisis in Australia. Morgan Cox, who relocated his family from Sydney due to skyrocketing rental costs, now resides in Gosford, approximately half an hour from the PM’s $4.3 million clifftop home.
Cox first gained national attention in March on the ABC program Q&A, where he shared that his rent had surged by $180 weekly—almost $10,000 annually—making it unaffordable despite his dual employment. He expressed his frustrations to the audience, stating that finding affordable housing was nearly impossible as available options were met with numerous competing applicants.
Concerned that rental prices will continue to skyrocket, Cox warned that tenants could soon find themselves in dire circumstances without immediate reforms. Speaking on 2GB, he explained that his protest aims to voice the struggles of those impacted by the housing crisis. "I’m just trying to send a message to the government that they really need to listen to us," he asserted.
Cox suggested that Australia consider reducing immigration, similar to approaches taken by Canada, to ease housing supply issues. He expressed that while he is not against immigration—having a partner who is an immigrant—managing it at sustainable levels could prevent others from being forced out of their homes. This strategy could provide much-needed breathing room in discussions surrounding other solutions to the crisis.
Additionally, he advocated for tax reform and increased investment by universities in student accommodation. Eager for dialogue, Cox is open to discussions with any politician who will listen to the housing concerns facing many Australians. “I don’t favour one side or the other; I just want us to be heard,” he concluded, reinforcing the drive for immediate action in addressing the nation’s housing challenges.