National housing campaign Everybody’s Home is calling for greater financial support for renters on the lowest incomes, as new figures reveal that more than two in five rent assistance recipients remain in rental stress despite rises to the payment.
The latest Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services shows nearly 42 per cent of low-income households that received Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) were still paying more than 30 per cent of their income on rent in 2023-24.
Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize emphasised that the figures highlight the urgent need to reform CRA, and increase the rate of Centrelink payments, to better support renters who’re doing it tough.
“The fact that more than two in five people who receive rent assistance are still in rental stress highlights the extreme cost of rents and the low rate of JobSeeker,” Ms Azize said.
“For those who can get it, Commonwealth Rent Assistance can take the edge off rents. But the payment is unfairly designed – the people who need the most help get the least benefit, and many people aren’t eligible for any help at all.
“The federal government must raise the rate of Centrelink payments like JobSeeker, and fix the problems with Commonwealth Rent Assistance. This would give a badly needed reprieve to the renters doing it the toughest.
“The housing crisis is still smashing so many Australians. It’s time for the federal government to deliver meaningful solutions.”
| Location | % of CRA households in rental stress |
| ACT | 50.3% |
| NSW | 44% |
| QLD | 42.3% |
| Vic | 41.7% |
| WA | 41.1% |
| NT | 36.4% |
| SA | 33.9% |
| Tas | 32% |
| Australia | 41.8% |
Source: Productivity Commission; as at the end of June 2024
