The Federal Budget delivered last week is very thoughtful. It is generous but measured. Forward-looking but aware of present responsibilities. We should be thankful for it.
I do want to draw your attention though to one big issue that has been overlooked, and which could radically transform the lives of those who are vulnerable; provision of stable and affordable housing.
On the first weekend of April, Anglicare Sydney surveyed over 10,000 private rental properties to measure their affordability for people who rely solely on Government benefits and low, fixed incomes.
We found only 123 affordable properties across the wider Sydney metropolitan region and the Illawarra, stretching from Blackheath, to Shellharbour, to Wyong. ‘Affordable’ means spending no more than 30 percent of your income on private rent; any more than this and you are technically in rental stress.
These results are quite simply devastating. They are fuelled by an undersupply of social and public housing. Earlier this year the Federal Government cut growth targets for affordable rental housing. And the Federal Budget won’t contribute anything to relieve this situation.
Our advocacy on the issue received significant national attention from media and policy makers in Government. We received calls from wealthy investors who want to invest in affordable housing but can’t find a program to do so.
National need
To put this housing crisis in a national perspective, consider these findings from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and National Shelter –
• Currently over 200,000 people are waiting for public housing
• A further 600,000 people around Australia are living in rental stress and would benefit significantly by having access to affordable public housing
• It is estimated that 220,000 new public and social housing dwellings are needed by 2020 to relieve demand
Families in crisis need stability
In our experience of working with families and individuals in crisis, getting them into stable and affordable accommodation unlocks a world of potential. It eases pressure on relationships, supports social involvement and frees people up to find employment.
Among the flurry of debate on the Budget there was little acknowledgement that welfare and social spending must be smart and targeted. No matter what your political views, helping the vulnerable well in the name of Christ must involve an examination of the facts, being honest about need and investing in people.
Help us care for these gaping needs
Rental stress and supply of public housing may be issues that require big change from Government, but you can easily help. Please give generously to our Winter Appeal which this year is aimed at helping families who face the prospect of eviction because of rental stress. Your donations will help fund case workers and emergency supplies of food and clothing among many other services.
As we work together to care for people in need we will show and tell of the transforming love of Jesus. This brings integrity to our public advocacy and makes our small, unseen acts of love precious in God’s sight.
Peter Kell is CEO of Anglicare Sydney
