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After a record year of house and rental growth in Tasmania’s north and northwest, the Federal Government must do more to address housing and rental affordability in 2022 the Everybody’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ campaign says. “We saw record rental price growth in 2021 even during COVID-19 restrictions. As the economy continues to rebuild, prices will increase even further, pushing up housing stress and homelessness.” Everybody’s ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ campaign spokesperson Kate Colvin said. According to SQM research rental prices in Launceston rose by 3.6% in the past year while Burnie recorded a staggering 19% increase. Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia have invested up to $10 billion over the next few years to build social housing. Unfortunately, there will still be a shortfall of over 200,000 households who will be in need of social and affordable housing. “While we should applaud the state governments who have stepped in to invest in social housing, only the Federal Government has the fiscal firepower to make a significant difference.” Ms Colvin said. Recent research from the Grattan Institute shows how social housing has fallen from six percent of all housing to less than four percent since 1991. The decline means a greater proportion of low-income households have to compete in the private rental market. “³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾lessness and housing stress are already at record highs. Many households across Australia are at breaking point. 2022 has to be the year the Federal Government takes action and invests in social housing.” Media