MEDIA RELEASE: Housing funding drops as housing costs and homelessness grow

09/05/2018

Analysis of the Budget shows that federal funding for homelessness and social housing has been cut 16% over 5 years, while the affordability of housing has plummeted, and homelessness has grown by 14%.

Kate Colvin, spokesperson for the Everybody’s Home campaign, a national alliance of community, housing and homelessness organisations, said the Government appeared to have abandoned its promise in last year’s Budget to address housing and homelessness for ordinary Australians.

‘This Budget shows the Treasurer has a tin ear for the everyday concerns of Australians who are increasingly struggling to keep a roof over their head and put food on the table,” Ms Colvin said.

“Housing affordability is a top tier issue for voters that the Government is ignoring. Nearly 2 in 3 Australians believe that all major parties are not doing enough to address housing affordability

“Our analysis shows that the proportion of social housing has fallen from 5.2 to 4.7% over 5 years, and will continue to plummet because of government funding cuts. (See tables below)

“At the same time affordability of private rental is in free fall, and rates of home ownership continue to fall.

“Already more than half of low income renters pay more than 30 per cent of their income on housing costs, leaving little over for the basics of life, especially for those who have children.

“Clearly the housing system is broken, The answer is not ignoring the problem.”

The Everybody’s Home campaign is calling on all parties to support tax reform around housing and develop a National Strategy that will deliver more social and affordable housing to ensure the housing system works for everyone

“This Budget failed to recognise that housing is critical infrastructure, and just as important as roads or bridges in building communities,” Ms Colvin said.

“Housing is the most critical foundation of family life, enabling people to work, learn, raise their family. It is essential for a healthy economy.

“All parties, including the Opposition in its response to the Budget, must show how they will make sure everybody in Australia has a home.”