Janet Rice (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Australia is in a rental and housing crisis. The Senate's inquiry into the worsening rental crisis revealed that there are 640,000 households under severe rental stress and a 750,000 shortfall of homes for low-income earners. Low-income renters have been pushed into the private rental market, which has led to skyrocketing rents, insecurity and stress. Yet the government's plans to tackle this crisis are woefully inadequate. They are patting themselves on the back about programs that are a drop in the ocean compared with what's needed.

The Greens propose four ways forward. Firstly, we need to invest billions every year into public and community housing, instead of lining the pockets of property developers with capital gains tax discounts and negative gearing. Secondly, unlimited rent increases should be illegal. We need immediate rent freezes and rent caps. Thirdly, we must strengthen renters' rights. Fourthly, we must increase income support above the poverty line so that everyone has a roof over their heads. (Time expired)