New research from Redbridge for the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) and PowerHousing Australia (PHA) shows an expansion of low cost rental housing will be a vote changing political issue at the upcoming federal election.
A poll of more than 1,500 people across 24 of the most contestable electorates in late January shows 73% of voters say housing affordability will be important in influencing their vote.
The research shows 84% believe ensuring Australians have safe and stable housing is a fundamental government responsibility, and 76% agree more social housing is needed.
It comes as advocates unite in Canberra to persuade parliamentarians to build on existing initiatives and lift their ambition on community housing.
“Housing is at the eye of the cost-of-living storm. In this election, we know increasing community housing is the best solution to this crippling problem and it has overwhelming public support,” CHIA CEO Wendy Hayhurst said.
“Fewer than four per cent of Australian homes are social or affordable. To fix our broken housing system it needs to be more like one-in-ten.
“This research not only confirms voters want more action on affordable housing, but that there are alarming levels of housing stress. In these key electorates, one in three people lack confidence they can afford their housing costs over the next year. These findings should send a strong message to all political leaders.”
According to the findings, 28% of renters and mortgage holders spend over half their income on housing. The data also shows housing stress is worse outside the inner city postcodes, with 31% of people saying they are struggling in outer suburban areas, and 29% in the regions, compared with 24% in the inner cities.
“We understand the intense cost of living crisis people are experiencing, and we know the cost of housing is a major stressor. The current federal government is making some inroads into easing the strain on housing, such as increasing stock through the Housing Australia Future Fund, but more work is needed,” PHA CEO Michelle Gegenhuber said.
“This research shows there is bipartisan support for a fairer housing system in Australia, with polling showing two thirds of voters back minimum affordable housing requirements in new developments.”
“We are asking for a commitment that puts a significant dent in the current rates of housing stress and homelessness. Australia needs one in 10 homes for social and affordable housing, and quadrupling the Housing Australia Future Fund. A different future for Australian housing is achievable with the right action.”
