Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, joined National Shelter for the release of the latest Rental Affordability Index.
“It’s deeply disappointing to see Hobart continue to be the least affordable capital city in Australia, a mantle we’ve regrettably held since 2019,” Mr Wilkie said. “Indeed since 2016 the median rent in Hobart has increased by 60 per cent with the result being people struggling to put food on the table and fuel in the car.
“Moreover it’s alarming to hear that Hobart could soon become the only capital city in Australia where rental affordability for the average rental household is below the Rental Affordability Index critical threshold of 100.
“No wonder I hear from countless constituents who are being forced to sleep rough as they battle to find safe and affordable housing. Housing is not only a basic human right, but also an essential precursor for safety, health and economic security.
“While Tasmania is feeling the stress more than the other states, rental pressure is being felt right across the country and there needs to be more than Band-Aid solutions. The Federal Government is investing in Australia’s housing availability and affordability, but there is still a pressing need to extend the National Rental Affordability Scheme, increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance and revisit investment property tax reform. Only then will we see things improve.”