Anglicare Australia Report Finds No Affordable Housing for Youth Allowance Recipients in 2024

A new report by Anglicare Australia has revealed that the housing crisis in the country is the worst it has ever been, with no affordable housing available for youth allowance recipients across Australia in 2024. The report, which surveyed over 45,000 rental listings nationwide, found that only 0.6% of the properties were considered affordable for a person earning a full-time minimum wage.

The situation is even more dire for those relying on government support payments. The report found that only 0.2% of rentals were affordable for a person on the aged pension, and a mere 0.1% for those on the disability support pension. Shockingly, not a single property was deemed affordable for someone on the Youth Allowance support payment.

Anglicare Australia's Executive Director Kasy Chambers described the findings as "horrifying," with many low-income earners forced to choose between basic necessities and keeping a roof over their head. "We found that even working couples are being priced out of rentals," Chambers said. "This is an emergency, and we need leadership to tackle it."

Why this matters: The lack of affordable housing has far-reaching consequences for society, particularly for vulnerable populations such as youth and those relying on government support. Without access to stable and affordable housing, individuals face increased risks of homelessness, poverty, and poor health outcomes, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.

The report highlights the growing affordability crisis, with rents rising by an average of 7% last year and over 640,000 low-income households waiting for suitable homes. Anglicare Australia is calling on the federal government to take swift action, urging them to invest in building more social housing rather than relying on private investors through tax breaks.

The Albanese government has promised $25 billion in new housing investments over the next decade, including the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund and the $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator. However, Anglicare Australia warns that more sustained capital investment is needed over a longer period to make a meaningful difference in addressing the housing crisis.

Chambers emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "This is a national emergency. We cannot leave people behind in the face of this crisis. We need real action, and we need it now." The report serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for government intervention and long-term solutions to ensure access to affordable housing for all Australians, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.

Key Takeaways

• Housing crisis in Australia is the worst ever, with no affordable housing for youth allowance recipients.
• Only 0.6% of rentals are affordable for minimum wage earners, 0.2% for aged pension, 0.1% for disability support.
• Lack of affordable housing leads to homelessness, poverty, and poor health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
• Albanese government promises $25B in new housing investments, but more sustained capital is needed.
• Anglicare Australia calls this a "national emergency" requiring urgent government intervention and long-term solutions.