Electorate data reveals that over one in three renters in Dunkley are in rental stress

10 May 2019

Media release

More than one in three renters in Victoria’s electorate of Dunkley are struggling in housing they can’t afford.

The University of NSW analysis for national housing and homelessness campaign Everybody’s Home shows that the average proportion of renting households in rental stress in Victoria is 30%. In Dunkley the figure is above average at 35% of renting households in rental stress.

The seat-by-seat analysis compares rents and incomes across electorates to identify the number of households in rental stress.

Dunkley is in the top five electorates in Victoria for renters experiencing rental stress.

National Everybody’s Home campaign spokesperson, Kate Colvin said the analysis showed where Victorian renters are doing it hardest.

Ms Colvin said the data busts the myth that housing affordability is only an inner Melbourne issue in Victoria.

A report by Australian Housing & Urban Research Institute (AHURI) shows that there is a desperate need for more social and affordable housing in Melbourne’s outer suburbs[i].

According to the report, currently there is a social housing shortfall of 5,900 and an affordable housing shortfall of 2,700 in Mornington Peninsula, where the electorate of Dunkley is situated.

Ms Colvin said that “underinvestment in social housing, increasing rents and low wage growth mean that low income earners, and middle income earners are struggling in electorates such as Dunkley.

“It’s clear that we need more social and affordable housing in the area.”

Ms Colvin said ahead of the Federal election voters expect all parties to announce policies that will address the cost of housing – the biggest single cost of living for households.

 

Everybody’s Home campaign is calling for the government to:

  1. Develop a national strategy to provide the national shortfall of 500,000 social and affordable homes;
  2. Prioritise home buyers over investors by resetting the tax system;
  3. Ensure a better deal for renters;
  4. Increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance to provide immediate relief for renters in chronic rental stress;
  5. Create a national plan to end homelessness by 2030.

The Victorian Public Tenants Association (VPTA) and The Salvation Army have partnered with the Everybody’s Home campaign and will meet with Chris Crewther, current Liberal MP for Dunkley, on Wednesday 15 May to discuss the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis.

Media enquiries: Aliya Ahmad 0428 684 307

The Everybody’s Home campaign has united the not for profit housing, homelessness and community sectors with the nation’s largest charities in calling for leaders to fix Australia’s housing system so that everybody has a home.

[i] https://www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/306

 

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